City of Whittlesea holds illegal dumpers accountable
Published on 25 November 2025
The City of Whittlesea is sending a clear message to anyone thinking about illegally dumping rubbish in our community – you will be caught, and you will face the consequences.
Council continues targeted patrols, surveillance, and enforcement to identify and penalise offenders, with recent cases demonstrating the effectiveness of these efforts.
The Victorian Government’s recent $21.5 million investment in the state’s Illegal Dumping Taskforce further strengthens this work and Council welcomes this support as an important first step toward a sustained, statewide response to illegal dumping. We are encouraged by this commitment and we look forward to the release of further details on how the funding will be rolled out to support real improvements across the state.
In addition to welcoming this investment, Council is also calling on the Victorian Government to change the law so the anyone who dumps rubbish faces tougher penalties. Stronger penalties will act as a clearer deterrent and help prevent harmful and irresponsible dumping in our community.
Recent cases illustrate the impact of Council’s enforcement. In Wollert, dumped rubbish at three separate sites was linked through CCTV, community reports, and a timely photo taken by a local resident, leading to fines totalling $3,555.
In another case, a person was captured on Council cameras dumping waste from a vehicle onto a nature strip and roadway. After the registered owner failed to respond to a Waste Information Gathering Notice, Council issued infringements of $407 for failing to respond and $1,221 for illegal dumping, highlighting that both drivers and vehicle owners can be held responsible.
A third case involved e-waste, a bike frame, and furniture panels dumped inside a Mernda bus shelter. The same items had previously been sighted on a nearby property. After offenders ignored a Waste Abatement Notice requiring them to clean up the rubbish, Council issued $1,221 for the dumping and $1,221 for failing to comply.
These cases sit alongside broader enforcement efforts. Between July and October 2025, Council:
- investigated 681 reports of dumped rubbish
- issued more than 200 compliance notices and directions
- issued 80 infringements under both the Environment Protection Act 2020 and Community Local Law, totalling $107,823 in fines
- completed 10 prosecutions, in the 12 months to May 2025, resulting in a further $22,202 in fines.
Council reminds the community that dumping rubbish costs everyone but planning ahead is free. There are many easy and low-cost ways to dispose of unwanted items, including free and discounted waste vouchers, community recycling stations, repair and reuse programs, and Council’s online A-Z guide to waste and recycling.
Community reports remain vital in identifying offenders. Dumped rubbish can be reported through Snap Send Solve, at whittlesea.vic.gov.au/litter, or by calling 9217 2170.
Quotes attributable to City of Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Lawrie Cox:
“Illegal dumping will not be tolerated in the City of Whittlesea. We are actively monitoring and tracking offenders, and those caught will face real financial and legal consequences.”
“These recent cases demonstrate the impact of strong enforcement, but there is more work to do. We are looking forward to seeing the detail on the Victorian Government’s funding, we hope it help us expand inspections, enforcement and clean-ups, while reducing the cost burden on our community.”
“We know our community takes pride in where they live, and we encourage everyone to do their part. Our community has the tools to help stop this behaviour, we hope you can assist in stopping these unwanted actions by a minority. Illegal dumping comes at a cost, but planning ahead to dispose of waste responsibly is free and together, we can keep our streets and public spaces clean, safe and welcoming for all.”