Illegal dumping in Barcaldine Region
What It Is and Why It Matters
Illegal dumping is the unlawful disposal of waste in places where it shouldn’t be — on roadsides, in bushland, parks, vacant land, waterways, or even on private property without permission. In Queensland, dumping waste illegally is a serious offence. It’s not just unsightly — it harms the environment, risks public health, impacts wildlife, and costs the community money to clean up.
Waste becomes illegal dumping once it’s 200 litres or more in volume
— roughly the size of a standard wheelie bin. Smaller rubbish left in public spaces may be classified as littering, which is also an offence.
Laws and Penalties
Illegal dumping is regulated under Queensland’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. Penalty Infringement Notices (fines) can be issued to individuals or corporations caught dumping waste illegally. The exact amounts depend on the volume of waste and severity of the offence, but penalties can be significant and escalate if matters proceed to court.
Fines may include:
| Waste Reduction and Recycling Act2011 section and offence |
PIN amount for individuals |
PIN amount for corporations |
Maximum penalty in court for individuals |
Maximum penalty in court for corporations |
|
103(1)(a): dangerous littering
|
$677
|
$2,670
|
$6,676
|
$33,380
|
|
103(1)(b): general littering
|
$333
|
$1,669
|
$5,007
|
$25,035
|
|
104(1)(a): illegal dumping less than 2500L of waste
|
$2,670
|
$8,345
|
$66,670
|
$333,800
|
|
104(1)(b): illegal dumping more than 2500L of waste
|
$3,338
|
$12,517
|
$166,900*
|
$834,500*
|
|
251(c): A person must comply with a compliance notice
|
$1,669
|
$8,345
|
$50,070
|
$250,350
|
|
Section 265: giving false or misleading information
|
_
|
_
|
$277,888
|
$1,389,442
|
Not only can fines apply, but councils and authorised officers may also issue cleanup and compliance notices requiring the removal, transportation and disposal of illegally dumped waste at the offender’s cost.
How You Can Help
Illegal dumping impacts all of us — but your voice and vigilance make a difference. If you see littering or illegal dumping, you’re encouraged to report it so action can be taken.
Council and state authorities follow up reports and investigate where possible to protect our environment.
Why It Matters to Barcaldine Region
Illegal dumping costs ratepayers money to clean up, damages natural landscapes, and harms wildlife and habitat. By respecting proper waste disposal facilities and reporting incidents, our community can keep Barcaldine safe, clean and healthy. Let’s look after our region together.