Litter and Illegal Dumping

What is illegal dumping?

Illegal dumping refers to the placement of waste onto private or public land where no licence or approval exists to accept such waste. It varies from small bags of rubbish in an urban environment to larger scale dumping of materials in isolated areas. The City takes illegal dumping seriously as there are significant financial implications for the removal of items, in particular hazardous items such asbestos, batteries and chemicals. Hazardous waste can be especially dangerous and toxic to the environment and population.

In Western Australia littering infringements can be issued by authorised officers including police and local government officers and City Rangers. The Department of Water and Environment Regulation (DWER) is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of illegal dumping under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act). Illegal dumping is the unauthorised discharging or abandonment of large amounts of waste and is an offence under Section 49A of the EP Act. If caught and convicted, individuals face fines of up to $62,500; with businesses facing fines up to $125,000.

What happens if I see illegal dumping?

If you see anybody dumping illegally or spot illegal waste you can report it via:

• The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation’s (DWER) 24-hour Pollution Watch hotline on 1300 784 782
• The City of Kalamunda on (08) 9257 9999, or via email to enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au
• As of the 5th February 2024, Crimestoppers and DWER joined forces in a campaign to expose the illegal dumping of demolition waste and asbestos in WA. If you see something, say something. You can report online anonymously and your information will go directly to DWER investigators. For more information visit Crime Stoppers. 

Litter

Throwing, dropping or dumping rubbish may it be intentional or not is an offence under the Litter Act 1979. If prosecuted, the maximum penalties for littering offences is $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for corporations.

In Western Australia littering infringements can be issued by authorised officers including police and local government officers and City Rangers. 

Residents can become actively involved in community spaces, bushlands, reserves, school and business by contacting Keep Australia Beautiful WA (KABC). KABC Provide leadership in the field of litter prevention and reduction in Western Australia through community awareness and engagement, education, legislation and enforcement strategies.