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A new study has found there has been a marked reduction in the number of NSW residents and businesses illegally dumping waste compared to six years ago, but that the issue remains costly and damaging for communities, councils and the environment.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has today released the state's most comprehensive study of illegal dumping. The Illegal Dumping Research Report is published every five to six years and paints a clear picture of what is driving the problem and where action is still needed.
NSW EPA Executive Director of Programs and Innovation Alexandra Geddes said the results are promising.
"It found illegal dumping by community members dropped by 9 per cent since 2019, from 22 per cent to 13 per cent, while businesses remained steady at 26 per cent," she said.
"Kerbside dumping by community members decreased from 20 per cent to 10 per cent, and from 17 per cent to 10 per cent for businesses.
"It's great to see the research demonstrating more people are doing the right thing. What's less ideal is that illegal dumping is still a widespread problem costing councils, communities and the environment hundreds of millions of dollars every year."
Other key 2025 findings, compared with 2019, show:
- 98 per cent of councils report illegal dumping as an issue in their area, with one in seven spending more than $500,000 a year in clean-up and enforcement.
- Awareness that kerbside dumping is illegal increased from 48 per cent to 75 per cent
- Bulky household items remain the most dumped material, with kerbsides, roadsides and bushland the worst hotspots
The report reveals most community members and businesses view illegal dumping as unacceptable, but persistent challenges remain to tackle the issue. This includes low awareness of consequences such as fines, confusion about what counts as illegal dumping and uncertainty around who is responsible for waste.
Ms Geddes added that illegal dumping is far from a victimless crime.
"Discarded waste on kerbsides, roadsides and in bushland is an eyesore, puts human life at risk through fire hazards and contaminants, harms wildlife, burdens councils and undermines recycling efforts," she said.
"Whether it's tyres, desks or mattresses – everyone has a role in stopping it, and we're holding offenders to account.
"We know people are increasingly aware of the dangers and risks, and we're working with councils, communities and industry to close service gaps, improve awareness of disposal and reuse options, educate people about the impacts, and crack down on those who continue to dump."
These evidence-based insights will guide future compliance, prevention programs and enforcement measures, and inform the next NSW Illegal Dumping Prevention Strategy.
The EPA has also delivered the Illegal Dumping Prevention Program grants since 2022, handing out more than $2.83 million in funding to councils and regional waste groups to tackle the problem.
