Dumped rubbish refers to waste that is illegally disposed of in public or private areas. This could include household waste, construction waste, hazardous waste, and dangerous chemicals.
Dumped rubbish not only looks unsightly but it can also harm the environment and wildlife. It can also attract vermin and create health hazards. Keeping the ACT clean and free of dumped rubbish is important for the health and well-being of the community.
Illegal dumping hotspots in Canberra are similar to other urban centres, where dumping often happens just out of sight in nature reserves, parks, or away from the city centre. In the ACT dumped rubbish has become a particular issue along Mugga Way and Majura Parkway.
In the ACT, illegal dumping is classified as ‘aggravated littering’ which is any littering that can cause injury to a person, animal, or public space. Aggravated littering carries a penalty of $5,000 for individuals and $25,000 for corporations.
If the dumped waste is classified under the Dangerous Substances Act 2004, the fines can be as high as $200,000 for individuals or even $1 million for businesses as well as imprisonment.
If someone has dumped rubbish on your property, it is important to immediately report the waste. In the ACT, any nature strips in residential areas are the responsibility of the adjacent lessee, and as such it is important you provide any evidence that might help identify the offender.
To report illegally dumped rubbish in the ACT, you can use the Snap Send Solve app. Simply take a photo of the dumped rubbish, add some details, and send the report to the relevant authorities. You can also report dumped rubbish by contacting Access Canberra on 13 22 81 or with the fix my street feature on their website.
