Illegal dumping is a concern for all in our community because it:
- pollutes our lakes, rivers and waterways through the stormwater system
- is a waste of resources because most dumped items can be recycled or reused
- is dangerous e.g. discarded needles, syringes, asbestos
- potentially causes line of sight issues
- attracts vermin such as rats and cockroaches
- looks unsightly to locals and visitors to Canberra
- may contain hazardous waste and
- is a financial burden to you as a rate payer.
Enforcement
In the ACT it is an offence to dump or store rubbish in a public place, including on a nature strip.
Once one person illegally dumps litter, it could encourage the behaviour of others.
Where the owner of the items or the person responsible for dumping of the litter on public land can be identified, enforcement action can be taken.
Identifying those responsible is often difficult. Any evidence you can provide authorised officers to help identify offenders is greatly appreciated.
Enforcement action may include rectification works and/or the issuing of fines.
The following penalties apply:
- basic littering penalties include $1,000 for individuals and $5,000 for businesses
- aggravated littering by means of littering that could cause injury to a person, animal or public place carries higher penalties, being $5,000 for individuals, $25,000 for businesses or imprisonment for 6 months (or both)
- dumping of illegal substances under the Dangerous Substances Act 2004 carries penalties up to $200,000 for individuals and $1 million for businesses and/or 7 years imprisonment and the possibility of other penalties
- dumping of concrete in a public place or open private space without the consent of the occupier carries penalties of up to $7,500.
In the ACT, residential nature strips are the responsibility of the adjacent lessee. If items have been left on a nature strip and you can identify the offender, City Services may be able to issue those individuals a notice to remove those items. Any evidence you can provide to help identify offender/s is greatly appreciated.
Where malicious dumping of materials on a nature strip occurs and no offender/s can be identified, City Services are unable to take any action to help resolve the matter.
See more information in the Litter Act 2004, the Public Unleased Land Act 2013 and the Dangerous Substances Act 2004.
Report illegal dumping
To report illegal dumping call Access Canberra on 13 22 81 or report a problem through Fix My Street.
Getting waste sorted
Some things don’t belong in household bins. Batteries, e-waste, hazardous waste, clothing in good condition and bulky items all have other places to go.
Not sure if an item is recyclable? Search the Recyclopaedia, your A to Z guide to waste sorted.
Find out where to drop off recycling and waste in the ACT.
