Learn how to report illegal dumping, where to take bulk waste, and how to get involved in keeping Cockburn clean.
What illegal dumping is
Illegal dumping is the unauthorised disposal of waste, typically larger than a bag of litter and up to a small trailer load. It includes leaving household or commercial waste on verges, in bushland or public places without permission.
Illegal dumping costs ratepayers and the City about $1.5 million each year in clean-up costs and resources. It can attract vermin, harm the environment, lower local amenity and create safety risks, especially for children.
Where to dispose of bulk waste
Bulk waste can be disposed of in scheduled verge collections or at the Henderson Waste Recovery Park. Find out more through the following links:
Reporting illegal dumping
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation is responsible for investigating and prosecuting illegal dumping.
Report suspicious activity to Environment WAtch.
Abandoned shopping trolleys
Sometimes abandoned trolleys are found in parks or on verges, especially near shopping centres. If you see one, please report it directly to the relevant store:
Penalties and prosecution
If offenders are caught and prosecuted, they may face fines, clean-up and court costs from about $1,000 up to $62,500 for individuals, and up to $125,000 for businesses. Offenders’ details, including business information, may also be made public, which can lead to reputational damage.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation undertakes investigations and prosecutions under the Environmental Protection Act 1986.
The City’s Rangers also monitor littering under the Litter Act 1979 and can issue on-the-spot fines to offenders.
Seabin reducing ocean litter
Installed in 2019 at Port Coogee Marina, the Seabin is a floating bin that collects marine litter from the water’s surface, including coffee cups, plastic bottles, bait bags, cigarette butts, straws, balloons and microplastics as small as 2 mm.
It can capture around 1.5 kilograms of debris per day and also traps detergents, fuels and oils. The City monitors the litter collected and contributes this data to the global Seabin Ambassador Program.
The Seabin is only one part of the solution. Everyone can help by disposing of waste responsibly to keep our waterways clean. Learn more at the Seabin website.
Litter prevention and community clean-ups
Help keep Cockburn tidy by taking simple steps every day and joining local clean-up activities.
- Deposit litter in proper bins and not on verges or bushland
- Avoid putting household or commercial waste in public bins
- Secure and properly cover trailer or utility loads
- Keep building sites tidy so debris does not affect neighbours
- Return shopping trolleys to the store and avoid abandoning them
Make a difference by registering your community clean-up through the Keep Australia Beautiful Adopt-a-Spot program. You will receive support and resources to help you organise your event.
More information and contact
To report litter, contact the City's Ranger Services on (08) 9411 3444 or email [email protected].
For illegal dumping investigations, contact Environment WAtch.