Council warns locals to stop illegal dumping
Date published: 13 September 2022
Townsville City Council is warning locals to stop illegal dumping as the city battles more than 50 illegal dumping reports each month.
Kerbsides, natural areas and road reserves are the three top areas where locals are carelessly dumping their furniture, household waste and green waste.
Townsville Water and Waste Committee chairperson Russ Cook said the illegal practice was completely unacceptable and carried considerable fines.
“Council receives a constant stream of calls and Snap, Send, Solve notifications for illegal dumping in bushland, parklands and roadside areas across Townsville,” Cr Cook said.
“This behaviour goes against our community standards and will not be tolerated by Council. If you think you can get away with it, think again. Illegal dumping in Townsville carries a $2300 fine and we have dedicated officers who work to make sure offenders are caught. There’s no excuse for illegal dumping.”
Cr Cook said there were a number of items that locals could take to Council’s Waste Transfer Stations to dump for free.
“Instead of illegally dumping your rubbish just put your waste in your household bin or, if it’s a larger item, recycle or dispose of it at Council’s Waste Transfer Stations. Items like green waste, white goods, air conditioners, cardboard, computers, fluorescent light tubes and clean metals can all be recycled for free,” he said.
“We also have Tip Shops at Hervey Range and Magnetic Island. Reusable furniture in good condition which could be sold at these locations is free to recycle.
“If you’re unsure of where your waste goes, jump onto Council’s website and go through the comprehensive guide on the Waste and Recycling page.”
Community Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability Committee chairperson Maurie Soars said illegal dumpers put the environment at risk with their actions.
“Illegal dumping is a blight on our city and it causes serious ramifications for not only the amenity of our city, but also for the health of our ecosystem,” Cr Soars said.
“Waste that is illegally dumped can end up in our waterways, become fire hazards and provide a home for vermin, which in turn can attract snakes to the area.
“No matter how you spin it, there are no positives for illegal dumping. Do the right thing and throw your waste in your residential bin or take it to a transfer station.”
If you see someone illegally dumping, call Council on 13 48 10 or report it on the Snap, Send, Solve app.
For more information, head to Council’s What goes in your bin page.
Illegal dumping quick facts
- Top three areas where people are illegally dumping:
- Kerbside (34%)
- Natural areas (19%)
- Road reserves (12%)
- Top three types of waste people illegally dump:
- Furniture (23%)
- Household waste (22%)
- Green waste (21%)
Transfer station and landfill locations and opening hours
Stuart
24 Vantassel St | Open 6.30am to 5.45pm daily
Hervey Range
Hervey Range Rd | Open 7am to 4.45pm daily
Toomulla
Toomulla Beach Rd | Open Saturday only, 7.30am to 4.30pm
Bluewater
Bluewater Dr | January to September open Sunday 7.30am to 4.30pm, October to December open Saturday and Sunday 7.30am to 4.30pm
Magnetic Island
Westpoint Rd | Monday, Wednesday and Friday open 7am to 3.45pm, Saturday and Sunday open 9am to midday
