The City is cracking down on illegal rubbish dumpers, with a total of 20 infringements issued over the past three months.
Through the use of CCTV camera footage and crew patrols of dumping hot spots, the City's Local Laws team is identifying and fining more offenders.
Those found to have dumped items incur an infringement notice of $300.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher said the Council was keen to hold people who dumped unwanted goods to account.
"The environmental, social and financial impacts of dumped rubbish on our community is significant," Mayor Asher said.
"We are determined to pursue the selfish people who carry out this illegal activity and ensure they face the consequences."
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, creating a burden on charitable organisations and volunteers.
The City has investigated multiple instances of dumped rubbish outside the Salvation Army op shop in North Geelong in recent weeks.
This has led to two infringements and three cautions being issued.
The City has identified hot spots in Geelong's south, the northern suburbs and on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Portable CCTV cameras are being used to monitor the areas repeatedly targeted, while signage has been installed in key locations to help educate and warn potential dumpers.
Councillor Belinda Moloney, Chair of the Circular Economy (Waste Management) portfolio, said Council was also investing in a fit-for-purpose vehicle to better tackle the scourge of illegal rubbish dumping in the community.
A total of $410,000 has been allocated in the Proposed Budget 2021-22, to purchase a dumped rubbish collection truck and support a dedicated employee for the task.
"We are providing our crews with equipment and resources to proactively patrol and manage known dumped rubbish sites and limit the number of offences," Cr Moloney said.
"Offenders should be aware that we are focused on catching those who thoughtlessly pollute our waterways and damage our open spaces.
"Our community expects and deserves to enjoy our streets and public open spaces, shopfronts and nature reserves free from the ugly sight of illegally dumped rubbish."
Residents are urged to access the hard waste collection service, which allows households to recycle or dispose of their bulky items, including mattresses, without charge twice each financial year.
Dumped rubbish or suspicious behaviour can be reported to the City via [email protected] or by calling 5272 5272.
