The City is investigating the use of CCTV as part of a larger campaign to reduce illegal dumping, with offenders liable for fines of up to $9,900 under the Environment Protection Act.
Deliberately leaving, tipping or burying waste on private or public land is considered illegal dumping. This includes leaving items outside opportunity shops when they are closed. Hot spots for illegal dumping include Point Henry and outside Salvation Army stores in North Geelong and Drysdale.
Recently there has been a significant increase in reports of illegal dumping, including complaints of dumped rubbish such as car parts, mattresses, builder's rubble and household items across carparks, nature reserves, paddocks, and vacant blocks. This rubbish can impact our health, pollute our environment and threaten wildlife.
Dumped rubbish is collected by the City at the cost of around $800,000 every year. Fines for littering start at $322 if issued on the spot, and up to $9,900 when imposed by a court.
Hard waste can be disposed of legally through the City's hard-waste collection service which is available to residents twice a year.
In addition, excess recycling, electronic waste, home appliances, and many other items can be dropped off free of charge at our Resource Recovery Centres in NorthGeelong and Drysdale.
Everyone has a role to play in preserving the health of our beautiful environment and can assist by choosing the appropriate option for the disposal of unwanted materials, or by reporting illegal dumping.
Dumping in progress or dumped rubbish should be reported to the City at www.geelongaustralia.com.au/litter, via the Geelong City App or by calling 5272 5272.
Dumped industrial waste can be reported to the EPA, which supports efforts by the council to tackle illegal dumping and litter in its jurisdiction.
Greater Geelong Acting Mayor Kylie Grzybek
Geelong is known for its pristine landscapes, beaches and reserves. Let's all do the right thing with our rubbish so that we keep our local environment beautiful for all of us to enjoy.If you see someone dumping their rubbish illegally or see rubbish left behind, please report it and help the City to keep our environment clean and rubbish free.
Cr Ron Nelson, Chair, Waste Management portfolio
With so many legal avenues on offer to dispose of rubbish responsibly, there's never an excuse to dump waste.Organise for your larger rubbish to be picked up free through the hard-rubbish collection service or take it to one of our handy resource recovery centres.
