Illegal Dumping
Illegal dumping is a crime that has become a serious problem within some parts of the City of Frankston. In addition to increasing community fear and apathy, illegal dumping can be a breeding ground for disease carrying insects and rodents, create fire hazards, and has an environmental impact caused by chemicals seeping into the soil and drains. Cleaning up illegally dumped rubbish costs rate payers thousands of dollars each year.
Dumped litter includes household waste, green waste, building materials, household materials etc that has not been disposed appropriately.
It also includes property left on nature strips and unoccupied properties, and matter dumped down storm water drains.
The impacts of illegal dumping
Dumping costs you money. Every year, $250,000 of ratepayers' money is spent on cleaning up illegally dumped rubbish. More money is spent on fixing infrastructure and natural areas impacted by dumping. Dump sites can lower property values and also attract other illegal activities.
Dumping harms the environment. Illegal dumping causes chemical and physical pollution in our neighbourhoods and waterways. It also spreads pests and weeds, including fire ants and lantana. Even dumping old furniture is a problem because it may encourage others to dump more dangerous waste.
Dumping causes health and safety risks. Risks include sharp objects, asbestos, toxic substances, nappies and medical waste. There is also the serious threat of children suffocating in refrigerators that still have doors attached.
Illegal dumps are fire hazards. Dumping green waste, tyres, and chemicals in reserves can increase the risk of bush fires. The dump material may also be subject to spontaneous combustion or arson.
Illegal dumps put the community at risk. Tree stumps and tyres left on the road can cause accidents. Dump sites can block stormwater drains and be breeding grounds for insects and diseases.
Illegally dumped rubbish decreases Property Value. Dump sites serve as magnets for additional dumping and other criminal activities. The community then becomes unattractive to commercial and residential developers.
What council is doing
Frankston City Council is cracking down on littering and illegal dumping. CCTV cameras have been installed at
 |
Report illegally dumped rubbish
Contact Frankston City Council on 1300 322 322. The Council has officers authorized under the Environment Protection Act (1975) to investigate dumped litter.
If you witness somebody illegally dumping their rubbish, please call the Litter Report Line on 1800 35 25 55 or download the Confidential Litter Report Form
All reports should outline:
- Location of the litter
- Date and time where the littering occurred
- Any other relevant information (ie.car registration/make/model, details of the litter, description of the 'litterer' - age, height, sex, etc)
Remember - illegal dumpers are costing YOU money - don't let them get away with it!
What you can do
We are all responsible for looking after our neighbourhood, so do your bit by disposing of your unwanted goods correctly.
If it is your rubbish, it is your responsibility.
View the Illegal Dumping brochure - A guide to appropriate hard rubbish disposal for comprehensive information on how to dispose of your unwanted goods appropriately.
If you have rubbish that can't wait for hard rubbish day, and can't be donated to charity, you can book an additional collection for approximately $40 per cubic metre.
Contact Council on 1300 322 322 for more information or to organise a pick up.
Handy Hint: Beware of rubbish removal companies and gardening/landscape contractors who undercharge for jobs and dump your waste in the bush. Always ask for a receipt from the tip.
Your Rubbish- Your Responsibility!