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Illegal dumping

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Find out how to report illegal dumping of waste material. Council can issue on-the-spot fines for dumped rubbish.

Illegal dumping on verge in front of a unit block on Coronation Drive.

What is illegal dumping?

Illegal dumping is the unlawful disposal of any type of waste material that is 200 litres or more in volume.

This includes household rubbish, garden, building or commercial waste, or any other waste material that pollutes and damages our environment.

Why should illegal dumping be reported?

Illegally dumped waste can negatively impact our environment and native wildlife.

Cleaning up illegally dumped waste is expensive and is funded by ratepayers, so it's important to report suspicious activity.

Illegal dumping can:

  • cause pollution and may block stormwater drains
  • spread pests, weeds and vermin 
  • pose a fire hazard or accident risk
  • pose a health and safety risk if dumped waste includes sharp objects, asbestos, toxic substances, nappies and medical waste.
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Note

Illegal dumping includes items left outside a charity bin or shop and anything left on a footpath (outside of scheduled kerbside collection days).

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What goes in my bins?

Bin replacement, repair or collection

Report illegal dumping

If you spot illegally dumped goods or if you see somebody dumping items, you can report it via our online form.

You can also report illegal dumping by phoning Council on (07) 3403 8888.

Your personal safety is important. Do not approach anyone depositing illegal waste or disturb the site.

Report illegal dumping

Fines and prosecution for illegal dumping

You or your organisation may be issued with a fine or prosecution for illegal dumping. The total fine depends on the volume of waste.

Penalty unit amounts for dumped waste

Volume Individuals Corporations
Less than 200 litres 2 penalty units
 10 penalty units
Between 200-2,500 litres 16 penalty units 50 penalty units
Over 2,500 litres 20 penalty units 75 penalty units
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One penalty unit is equal to $161.30

The fine amount is rounded down to the nearest dollar after the calculation.

For example, the fine amount for an infringement of two penalty units is 2 x $161.30 = $322.60. The rounded-down fine amount is $322.

For more serious offences, Council will consider prosecution with maximum penalties in the order of 400-1,000 penalty units. 

Maximum penalties may apply in the following circumstances:

  • dumping by repeat offenders
  • dangerous waste (such as asbestos, medical waste or waste that's likely to cause harm to a person, property or the environment) 
  • dumping by commercial and small business operators.
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Received a fine? 

Find out your payment options.

How to avoid illegal dumping fines

Items that are commonly dumped include e-waste, white goods, garden waste and soil, furniture and mattresses.

Avoid disposal fees and illegal dumping fines by checking which items can be recycled or disposed of at your local resource recovery centres.

Learn more
Woman recycling her laptop at a Council resource recovery centre.

Frequently asked questions

Illegal dumping is defined as the unlawful deposit of any type of waste material that is 200 litres or more in volume. 

If you witness someone illegally dumping, you can report it via our online form.

Littering is the unlawful deposit of any type of waste material of an amount less than 200 litres in volume.

Read more about reducing litter in Brisbane.

If you witness someone littering from a vehicle, you can report it via the Queensland Department of Environment and Science website.

Yes, you can receive an on-the-spot fine or you may be issued a penalty infringement notice (PIN).

Kerbside dumping is when an item is left outside for kerbside collection that is an unacceptable material or substance.

You may be fined for kerbside dumping.

This includes leaving items on the kerbside outside of the scheduled collection dates for your suburb.

Learn more about what you can leave out for kerbside collection.