Council calls on community to ‘Dob in a Dumper’

In the 2023-24 financial year, council collected more than 750 tonnes of illegally dumped waste, including over 1000 tyres, at a cost of $273,000 to ratepayers.

So far this financial year, council has received 783 reports of illegally dumped litter — up from 617 in 2023-24, and just 43 the year before that.

A growing issue across Melbourne’s outer fringe, illegal dumping is particularly prominent in areas subject to significant development.

With Mitchell being one of Victoria’s most rapidly growing municipalities, illegal dumping is commonplace — a result of large rural blocks, new estates and lack of surveillance in isolated areas across the shire.

Council and the Environment Protection Authority can fine people if found guilty of dumping, with penalties reaching $3000.

Since July last year, council has issued 49 infringement notices, totalling more than $84,000.

Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said while there is ample community concern about bin capacity, most of what’s being dumped does not belong in a general waste bin.

“While bin space continues to be raised as a concern, the majority of what is being dumped illegally — mattresses, furniture, whitegoods, tyres and construction waste — wouldn’t belong in a kerbside bin anyway,” Cr Dougall said.

“This is poor behaviour and cannot be excused.

“People are not doing the right thing.”

Cr Dougall said ratepayers receive five Resource Recovery Centre vouchers each year with their rates notices, which can be used to dispose of most household items free of charge.

Each voucher is worth up to $40 and can be used at council’s four Resource Recovery Centres in Seymour, Broadford, Pyalong and Wallan.

Council has installed CCTV cameras at various dumping hotspots; however, it is relying on the community to help identify offenders.

Council encourages any witnesses to illegal dumping to report it.

Reporting can be done by visiting www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/reportit