Illegal Dumping and Littering
Illegal dumping can damage the environment and our health. It creates unsightly community spaces and high clean-up costs. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) works with many organisations and local Councils to combat illegal dumping.
Under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act), the EPA enforces strict laws relating to illegal dumping to ensure wrongdoers pay heavy penalties for potentially harming human health and the environment and deter dumpers from repeating the offence.
Singleton Council's Rangers respond to up to 100 reports of illegal dumping a year but as most illegal dumping across the local government area occurs in bushland near residential areas, it's local residents who play an important role in detecting and reporting when incidents occur. If you see it, report it.
Take our short online survey to tell us what you're seeing in the community and help us with future programs to curb illegal dumping.
Report Illegal Dumping
Is the dumped waste an emergency? Does it include toxic fumes or a large chemical spill? Phone 000 and report it immediately.
Is the dumped waste an immediate threat to human health or the environment? Phone the EPA Environment Line on T 131 555.
Examples of waste that can threaten human health or the environment include items with asbestos or toxic chemicals.
For all other illegally dumped waste report it via RIDonline, the EPA’s online reporting service.
- visit RIDonline with your smartphone, tablet or computer and upload a picture of the dumped waste
- provide the address of the incident using the GPS on your device or select the location on the provided map
- describe the type of dumped waste
- submit your report
RIDonline is a database used by councils and government agencies across NSW to record and manage illegal dumping incidents.
When you report via RIDonline, Council is sent an email alert about the incident so they can respond. To follow up on a report, phone Singleton Council.
Littering
Nobody likes a tosser. The most common litter items include cigarette butts, takeaway packaging and beverage containers.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) works with many organisations and local Councils to try and influence positive behavioural change regarding littering.
Under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 should a person be observed littering, an on-the-spot fines can be issued of up to $2500 for individuals and up to $5000 for corporations.
To reduce litter, remember to:
- put your rubbish in the bin or take it with you
- keep a bag in the car to collect rubbish if you are out and about
- encourage others to put their rubbish in the bin and pick up any litter they have dropped
- put your cigarettes out and put them in the bin or keep a container in the car to take your cigarette butts with you
- report littering from a motor vehicle to the NSW Environmental Protection Authority
Illegal Dumping Survey
Council wants to know how concerned you are about the mount of litter your see in your area, what rubbish you're seeing the most and your thoughts on illegal dumping. Take our short online survey to help us with future programs to curb illegal dumping.
Click here to do the survey