Illegal Dumping of Waste
The South Burnett Regional Council’s Waste and recycling management portfolio report presented by Cr Potter, during the Infrastructure, Environment and Compliance Standing Committee Meeting.
Held on 1 March 2023 highlighted the serious issues regarding littering and illegal dumping.
During January 2023 there was a total of 26 illegal dumping instances recorded. Out of this total, 9 of them were at the unmanned transfer stations, 15 of them were at road reserves with the remaining 2 at other locations.
There was 17 out of the 26 instances that were cleaned up by Council and 2 are pending further investigation. The total volume of illegal dumping is estimated to be 47,390 litres of which approx. 27,390 litres (58%) of dumping is cleaned up by Council.
Littering and illegal dumping pollutes our environment and significantly diminishes the use, enjoyment and value of our public places for residents and tourists. It can facilitate the spread of disease and pest species, harm wildlife, people and livestock.
Common illegally dumped items include:
- Household rubbish and garden waste
- Household goods (such as whitegoods, TVs, mattresses and furniture), including items left on footpaths
- Building waste (construction and demolition materials)
- Tyres, chemical drums and paint tins
- Asbestos
Illegal dumping and abusive use of the unmanned waste facilities is an ongoing issue resulting in additional clean-up costs and a drain on resources to keep these sites safe to use for the community and staff.
“As people continue to dump their waste illegally, Council and in turn, ratepayers, will continue to encounter ongoing costs” said Cr Danita Potter.
The Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 contains provisions specifically allowing members of the public to do their part by reporting littering and illegal dumping offences to Council.
For further information or to report illegally dumped waste, please contact Council on 4189 9100 or email info@sbrc.qld.gov.au.
Recent illegal dumping incidents
