Report littering and illegal dumping
Littering and illegal dumping is a serious problem in Queensland. According to the Keep Australia Beautiful National Litter Index, Queensland is the most littered mainland state in Australia.
Queensland communities want and deserve a clean environment, without the health and safety hazards imposed by inappropriate disposal of waste. The presence of litter attracts even more litter—which attracts antisocial and illegal activities. For more information, see the fact sheet Why Preventing Littering and Illegal Dumping is Important (PDF, 569K)*.
With the introduction of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011, members of the public can speak out and report littering and illegal dumping involving a vehicle or a vessel.
This initiative will help minimise waste hazards on our environment, as well as dealing with the much broader social impacts of littering and illegal dumping.
If littering or illegal dumping was personally witnessed you can report it now.
Witnesses of littering and illegal dumping offences can request to have a reporting form (PDF, 74K)* mailed by contacting 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
The difference between littering and illegal dumping is determined by size and tougher penalties (PDF, 148K)* have been introduced accordingly.
What is littering?
Littering (PDF, 663K)* is a small amount of waste (less than 200 litres in volume—that is smaller than an average household wheelie bin). Types of littering from a vehicle or vessel include the throwing of items such as cigarette butts, plastic or glass drink bottles, fast food wrappers, apple cores, orange peels and other fruit, fishing tackle and bait bags. It also includes items falling off the back of a ute or trailer because of an uncovered or unsecured load.
Dangerous litter is any litter than can cause harm to humans, wildlife and property. This includes items such as broken glass left on footpaths or playgrounds, sharps or syringes.
What is illegal dumping?
Illegal dumping (PDF, 615K)* is the unlawful deposit of waste that—when viewed in its entirety—is greater than 200 litres (about the volume of an average household wheelie bin). Types of waste can range from bags of rubbish in public areas such as roadsides, parklands and private land to larger scale dumping of waste including building (construction and demolition) materials, household goods, abandoned cars, scrap tyres and hazardous waste.
Littering and illegal dumping campaign
The Queensland Government has launched a statewide littering and illegal dumping advertising campaign. The campaign promotes an online reporting system.
Queensland Government has partnered with Keep Australia Beautiful Queensland as part of the inaugural campaign. Local government authorities are also encouraged to use this branding in their regions for educational purposes. To access the suite of campaign images and editable artwork, please contact wastecomms@derm.qld.gov.au.
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Last updated 13 December 2011
Report littering and dumping online
