Crackdown on illegal dumping across Geelong behind rise of infringements

Authorities are sick and tired of rubbish being illegally dumped across the city. Now, a crackdown is seeing more offenders being hit with hefty fines.

Charity bin dump mess on Barwon Heads Rd near Kmart Belmont. Picture: Alison Wynd

Illegal rubbish dumpers are being caught by authorities, with more than $30,000 in fines issued across Geelong over the past 12 months.

The City of Greater Geelong handed out 55 infringements in 2022-23, up from 48 between 2019-22.

For the 55 infringements, the city handed out $33,644 in fines. Offenders face fines of up to $9900 each.

The Surf Coast Shire handed out five infringements, totalling $8729, with 141 customer requests received since October last year regarding illegal dumping.

According to Geelong council’s website, illegal dumping costs Geelong ratepayers about $800,000 every year.

In the Surf Coast, the cost was more than $130,000 last financial year.

The figures come as nine trolleys filled with rubbish including suitcases, clothes and pizza boxes were illegally dumped in a park on Baxter Rd in North Geelong last month.

In January, illegally dumped household rubbish was left in the carpark of Geelong Arena.

A month later car batteries and motor oil were found dumped just metres from Barwon Valley Fun Park in Belmont.

Acting executive director of city infrastructure David Greaves said it was “very difficult” to manage illegal dumping at “hot spot areas” such as charity stores and bins.

“The city has previously set up CCTV to help deter this practice,” Mr Greaves said.

“Dumped rubbish can impact our health, pollute our environment and threaten wildlife.

“We urge everyone to consider the impact of rubbish dumping on the environment and the community, and please just don’t do it.”

Deliberately leaving, tipping or burying waste on private or public land is considered illegal dumping.

This includes leaving items outside opportunity shops when they are closed.

In January, the North Geelong Salvation Army depot was swamped with dumped donations, as the city announced a suite of measures to help curb illegal dumping, including proactive patrols, community education, enforcement, and hard waste collections.

Mr Greaves said the city also participated in the Litter Enforcement Officer Network to collaborate on illegal dumping across municipalities, and was part of a working group that specifically focuses on dumped tyres.

Surf Coast general manager community life Gail Gatt said there had been an increase in illegal dumping across the shire.

“This is highlighted by the customer requests we receive, which have remained consistent the past five years,” she said.

“We now have a dedicated litter prevention officer to investigate incidents and take

enforcement action as required.

“We urge people to utilise transfer stations across the shire and the Torquay

residential waste and recycling drop-off, rather than dispose of waste illegally.”

If you see rubbish illegally dumped, report it to Geelong council by calling 5272 5272 or Surf Coast by calling 5261 0600.

Originally published as Crackdown on illegal dumping across Geelong behind rise of infringements