Illegal Dumping

Illegal Dumping affects us all. 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;
• Attracts vermin such as rats and cockroaches;
• Looks unsightly to locals and visitors to Canberra;
• It may contain hazardous waste; and
• Is a financial burden to you the rate payer.

Enforcement
It is an offence under the Litter Act 2004 to dump rubbish in a public place. If the rubbish contains hazardous waste, it is also an offence under the Dangerous Substances Act 2004.  Once one person dumps, it seems to indicate to others that's it's okay for them to dump too - but it's not! From mid-December 2008, the ACT Government will step up enforcement which could lead to the following penalties:

• Basic littering penalties include $1,000 for individuals and or $5,000 for businesses;
• Aggravated littering by means of littering that could cause injury to person animal or public place carries higher penalties, being $5,000 for individuals and/or $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/or $1 million dollars for businesses and/or 7 years imprisonment and the possibility of other penalties.

Report illegal dumping
To report illegal dumping call Canberra Connect on 13 22 81 or fill out the Canberra Connect Feedback Form.    

Be waste wise
You can help out by trying to find a new home for unwanted household items like furniture, computers and white goods. Use any one of the public recycling centres located at Mitchell, Parkwood and Mugga Lane for household, larger and more complex waste. Paper, cardboard, bottles, aluminium and steel cans, can be conveniently dropped off at these places as well as the Phillip, Tuggeranong and Belconnen Town Centres. To find out more about the Recycling and Waste Centres in the ACT, call Canberra Connect on 13 22 81 or go to the following page on the TAMS website.

Commercial scrap merchants will collect from your home. Refer to the Yellow Pages  for their contact details.