Dumped rubbish refers to waste or garbage that has been illegally disposed of in public spaces, parks, or other public locations. This type of waste can range from household items to construction debris, to hazardous chemical waste.
Dumped rubbish doesn’t just look bad, it damages the environment and poses a health risk to your local community. In South Australia, illegal dumping is a significant problem as it not only contributes to environmental damage but also takes up valuable council resources.
The Yorke Peninsula is of particular concern when it comes to illegal dumping. Some councils are even being forced to remove public bins in an effort to dissuade mass dumping on roadsides.
Significant penalties apply for illegally dumping waste in South Australia. For individuals, the penalties can reach $500,000 or four years of imprisonment. Meanwhile, for corporations, the fines can reach $2 million.
Kerbside dumping in South Australia is the responsibility of the council. Landowners, however, are responsible for their land, meaning illegal dumping is expensive for private owners.
If you see any dumping in South Australia, you should report it immediately to the relevant council or the EPA. If you’re not sure who to contact, you can use the Snap Send Solve app, which automatically sends your report to the relevant authority.
