State Office:
Neighbourhood Watch Victoria
Victoria Police Centre
311 Spencer Street
Docklands VIC 3008
General Enquiries: (03) 8335 6002
Media Enquiries: ceo@nhw.com.au
ABN: 41 586 657 273
Incorporation Number: A0018739R
In Victoria, it’s illegal to dump or bury litter or waste on public or private land or into water without the appropriate authorisation. You can only dispose of it in locations that are licensed to accept it.
Illegally dumped waste can be anything from a single bag of household rubbish to bigger items such as TVs, fridges and mattresses, to building and demolition materials, oils and paints, and old tyres.
It also includes donations that are left in front of op shops when their closed.
Not only is illegal dumping unsightly, it also can
Most construction waste is managed responsibly. However, illegal dumping of building and demolition materials costs Victoria more than $30 million a year in clean-up costs (EPA, 2017).
Individuals caught illegally dumping waste in Victoria face on-the-spot fines of approximately $1,800. If the matter proceeds to court, penalties can escalate to over $40,000.
Some property developers will fine the homeowner for rubbish their builder leaves behind. In March 2025, the Victorian government highlighted that businesses found guilty of illegal dumping on public land could face fines up to $3,951,800. Individuals may incur penalties up to $800,000 or five years imprisonment, or both.
Builders can:
Report any dumped rubbish immediately to your property developer, to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and/or your local council. Don’t hesitate to report multiple times to multiple agencies. The quicker that rubbish is removed the better.
If you find a dumped rubbish report it to the EPA online or by calling 1300 372 842. You can remain anonymous.
You can also report it to Snap Send Solve which sends the photos to your local council. Users can capture a photo, provide a description, and submit the report in under 30 seconds. You could also directly report it straight to your local council. Many councils have a dedicated form on their website to report waste dumping.
Below is a table listing each LGA along with a link to their official website or, where available, a direct link to their illegal dumping report page:
If the dumped rubbish has damaged personal property call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or report online.
If you see someone in the process of dumping rubbish, call Triple Zero (000) straight away while they’re doing it. If it’s happening now, Victoria Police want to know and act. If it is happening regularly and you report it, they may be able to conduct more patrols of your area.
When reporting dumped rubbish, provide the following information if possible:
Neighbourhood Watch Victoria acknowledges the 38 mobs, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we operate, live, and gather as employees and volunteers. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community and pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
At Neighbourhood Watch, we believe everyone has the right to feel safe and welcome. We are committed to ensuring diversity, inclusion and equity are embedded throughout our organisation – in the work we do, the services we deliver and among our staff, volunteers, and the communities we work with.
Neighbourhood Watch Victoria
Victoria Police Centre
311 Spencer Street
Docklands VIC 3008
General Enquiries: (03) 8335 6002
Media Enquiries: ceo@nhw.com.au
ABN: 41 586 657 273
Incorporation Number: A0018739R