Illegal dumping
Report illegal dumping and help protect Albury’s public places, waterways and natural environment.
Report illegal dumping
Illegal dumping on public or private land should be reported. The appropriate reporting authority depends on where the dumping occurred and the type of waste involved.
Use the NSW EPA directory to find the correct reporting service.
If it is safe to do so, record as much information as possible, including:
- the location of the dumped waste
- the date and time it was observed
- a description of the waste
- photographs of the site
- descriptions of any people or vehicles involved
- vehicle registration details.
Do not approach anyone you see dumping waste or touch potentially hazardous materials.
Call Triple Zero (000) if the incident presents an immediate threat to people, property or the environment, including fire, toxic fumes or a major chemical spill or another dangerous situation.
Do not touch asbestos, chemicals, drums or other potentially hazardous waste.
Report littering from a vehicle
If you see litter being thrown or blown from a vehicle, you can report the incident to the NSW EPA.
Do not use a mobile phone while driving. Ask a passenger to record the details or stop somewhere safe before making notes or submitting a report.
You will need to:
- have personally seen litter being thrown or blown from the vehicle
- provide the vehicle registration details
- provide the location where the incident occurred
- describe what you observed
- submit the report within 14 days
What is illegal dumping?
Illegal dumping is disposing of waste on land or in water where it is not permitted.
It can include:
- leaving unwanted household items on the footpath when there is no scheduled collection
- dumping rubbish or green waste in bushland or beside a road
- leaving furniture, mattresses, televisions or whitegoods in public places
- dumping construction and demolition materials
- abandoning tyres, chemical drums or paint containers
- dumping asbestos waste
- businesses or contractors accepting payment to dispose of waste correctly and then dumping it without approval.
Leaving items outside charity shops and bins
Do not leave donations beside charity bins or outside charity shops when they are closed, full or unable to accept the items.
If an organisation cannot accept your items, take them home and use an appropriate reuse, recycling or disposal service. Leaving unwanted goods outside a charity shop may be considered illegal dumping.
Why illegal dumping is harmful
Illegal dumping can:
- harm people and wildlife
- contaminate soil and waterways
- damage native vegetation and introduce weeds
- create fire and safety risks
- block roads and emergency access
- block drains and contribute to flooding
- impose substantial clean-up costs on the community.
Reporting illegal dumping helps authorities investigate incidents, arrange the removal of dangerous waste and prevent further dumping.