Dumping costs you money
Every year thousand of dollars of ratepayers money is spent cleaning up illegally dumped rubbish. More money is spent fixing infrastructure and natural areas impacted by dumping.
Dumping harms the environment
Illegal dumping causes chemical and physical pollution in our neighbourhoods and waterways.
It spreads pests and weeds including fire ants and lantana.
Even dumping old furniture is a problem because it may encourage others to dump more dangerous waste.
Dumping causes health and safety risks
Risks include sharp objects asbestos toxic substances nappies and medical waste.
There is the serious threat of children suffocating in refrigerators that still have doors attached.
Illegal dumps are fire hazards
Dumping green waste tyres and chemicals in reserves can increase the risk of bush fires. The dumped items may be subject to spontaneous combustion or arson.
Dumping puts the community at risk
Tree stumps and tyres left on the road can cause accidents. Dump sites can block storm water drains and become breeding grounds for insects and diseases.
Dumped rubbish decreases property value
Dump sites serve as magnets for additional dumping and other criminal activities. The area then becomes unattractive to commercial and residential developers.
Most commonly dumped items in Geelong region
- Tyres - 21 percent
- Bagged rubbish - 18 per cent
- Rubble - 13 percent
- Furniture - 12 percent
- Mattresses - 11 percent
- Renovation waste - nine percent
Illegal dumping ‘hot-spots’ often include roadways bushlands and multi-unit premises. Illegally dumped materials often attracts additional dumping.
Household waste dumping is often investigated by local council officers VicRoads rail authorities Parks Victoria and other government agencies.
Report littering
Contact us to report dumped material or suspicious behaviour.
The EPA has a 24-hour pollution hotline: 1300 372 842 or you can report illegal dumping online.