Illegal Dumping
Illegal dumping
Illegal dumping is the improper disposal of large amounts of waste in places where it doesn't belong - like parks, bushland, vacant lots and roadsides. It can involve anything from a few pieces of old furniture to large volumes of commercial or industrial waste.
Why it matters
Illegal dumping isn't just unsightly - it's a serious issue that affects:
- The environment - harming wildlife and natural habitats
- Public health - attracting pests and creating safety risks
- The economy - costing communities time and money to clean up.
What we're doing about it
Our officers investigate reports of illegal dumping by inspecting affected areas and looking for evidence to trace the source of the waste. Once investigations are complete, dumped items on public land are removed.
Not handled by City of Newcastle
These issues are not investigated or collected by City of Newcastle:
- The clean up, removal and associated costs of illegal dumping on private land.
Related articles
Location matters!
- Parks Litter & Waste - for waste left in a public park.
Submit request
Before you begin
- This form can be used to report illegal dumping on private and public property.
- When lodging your request, you will have the option to attach photos or other supporting documents.
Location matters!
Providing specific details about the location of the waste helps us locate and address it quickly. Please include cross streets, house numbers, or identifying landmarks.
Next steps
- You'll receive an acknowledgement with your request number.
- We will investigate the dumped material and attempt to identify who may have left the waste.
- After the investigation is complete, the waste will be removed if it's on public property. Waste on private property will need to be removed by the owner if the offender is not found.
- You will receive a notification once we complete your request.
Time frames
Waste on public land:
- Initial enquiries will be responded to within three business days.
- If the person responsible for the dumping is known and a witness is willing to provide a statement, a Compliance Ranger will collect the statement and begin an investigation.
- If the responsible party cannot be identified, Waste Services will arrange removal based on available resources.
To get an estimated timeframe for removal, please contact Waste Services by phone.
Helpful links
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