Illegal dumping
Illegal dumping is unlawfully depositing waste larger than litter onto land that isn't theirs. This includes waste that is disposed of on private land that has no licence or approval.
Illegal dumping can damage the environment and our health. It creates unsightly community spaces and high clean up costs. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) works with many organisations and Port Stephens Council to try and stamp our illegal dumping.
Illegal dumping FAQ
Under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, it is an offence to:
- transport waste to, or deposit waste, in a place that can not lawfully be used as a waste facility; and
- cause or permit it to be transported or deposited.
Penalties apply for this offence can be up to $250,000 for individuals and $1 million for corporations. On the spot penalty notices from $2000 to $8000 can be issued for lesser offences.
There is no need to dump unwanted items and materials. There are a number of waste and recycling services within Port Stephens.
Council can investigate reports of illegal dumping. We work with community organisations to provide a coordinated response towards illegal dumping.