REDLAND City residents are being reminded to dispose of unwanted items responsibly.
Mayor Jos Mitchell is urging the community to correctly separate waste into kerbside bins or make use of the city’s eight free recycling and waste centres.
“Unfortunately, not everyone does the right thing, and Council has to spend thousands of ratepayer dollars each year cleaning up illegally dumped waste,” Mayor Mitchell said.
“In some cases, we also have to repair damage to natural areas and infrastructure caused by illegal dumping.”
Council actively monitors areas for illegal waste disposal, with evidence used to take enforcement action when necessary.
From July to December 2024, the Council received 197 complaints of littering and illegal dumping.
Offenders face fines ranging from $322 to $12,097, with more serious violations potentially resulting in prosecution, larger fines (up to $161,300 for individuals and $806,500 for corporations), and a criminal conviction.
A major concern highlighted by the Mayor is the illegal dumping of green waste, which can have serious environmental impacts, including the spread of pests and weeds, blocking stormwater drains, and creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes, rats, and flies.
Residents with excess green waste are encouraged to order a green waste bin by calling 3829 8999 or through the Council’s online service.
Cr Mitchell emphasised that illegal dumping harmed the environment and cost the community, urging everyone to dispose of waste responsibly.
To report illegal dumping, phone Council on 3829 8999, or report it via the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Science online Illegal Dumping Reporting form.
Environmental damage that illegal dumping can lead to:
- introduction of pest plants that can out-compete native plants
- infestation, contamination and blocking of watercourses
- introduction of pest animals or diseases into new areas, such as fire ants and myrtle rust
- blocking of forest tracks and fire trails in natural areas, risking the lives of firefighters and the public
- an increase in bush fire fuel loads or ignition sources
- attracting wildlife to roadsides to feed on organic waste increasing the likelihood they will be hit by cars.
