Litter and illegal dumping

Litter

Litter is a global issue, creating unsightly areas, harming people and wildlife, and encouraging further dumping. Illegal disposal of waste imposes costs on the community. Common forms include domestic and green waste, cigarette butts, abandoned trolleys and vehicles, and unsecured loads.

The law treats all waste equally, so discarding organic material like apple cores is just as illegal as throwing plastic or cigarette butts.

Within the Shire of Manjimup, rangers patrol and inspect regularly for littering and illegal dumping under the Litter Act 1979. If waste is found, investigations take place and can sometimes be traced back to offenders.

Please report any known littering to Ranger Services on 9771 7777. You can also use the Antenno app on your smart phone. Or you can become a registered litter reporter with Keep Australia Beautiful.

Illegal Dumping

Illegal dumping is the unauthorised dumping of large amounts of waste. It is an offence under Section 49 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The Department of Environmental Regulation deals with investigating and prosecuting any one found to be dumping waste illegally.

Illegal dumping includes but is not limited to building debris and household whitegoods. There is no excuse for illegally dumping waste.

On conviction, the offence carries a maximum fine of $125,000 for corporations and $62,500 for individuals.

Illegal dumping should be reported to DER's pollution watch hotline 1300 784 782 (24 hours) or via pollutionwatch.