Litter and Rubbish Dumping
It is illegal to dump rubbish on verges, reserves, vacant lots and parks. The Town monitors illegal rubbish dumping and will prosecute offenders. Illegal dumping costs the Town thousands of dollars every year. Help us by reporting illegal dumping, contact the Town 9311 8111.
Increased Penalties for Littering - Now Enforceable
In August 2012 the Western Australian Parliament passed amendments to the Litter Act 1979 and the laws came into effect on 11 January 2013.
A summary of key changes include:
- The fine for an individual who litters a cigarette butt goes up from $75 to $200.
- Increase in the maximum fine for littering offences to $5000 for individuals and $10000 for corporations, or in the case of offences against litter regulations, $5000 for both individuals and corporations.
- In cases of littering from vehicles, to deem the person responsible for the vehicle to have committed the offence where neither the litterer nor the driver of the vehicle can be identified.
- A new offence of 'littering that creates a public risk' will carry an infringement penalty of $500 and a prosecution maximum of $5000.
Keep Australia Beautiful WA has developed the Western Australian New Litter Laws and Changes Resource Kit to update councils, governments and stakeholders on changes to the litter laws and to support agencies to communicate the new litter laws to the community and key stakeholders.
The kits contains downloadable resources that include: posters, litter laws fact sheet, advertisements, sample media release, newsletter article and bin sticker template.
Download Western Australian New Litter Laws and Changes Resource Kit
For more information on litter laws, programs to engage your community or litter prevention resources, please visit www.kabc.wa.gov.au or email queries to kabc@dec.wa.gov.au.
FAQ's
Rubbish has been dumped on my vacant land, who will remove it?
Town Rangers can assist by investigating issues of dumped rubbish however the property owner is responsible for the cost of removing the waste if the offender can’t be located.
My neighbours are putting out bulk rubbish too early; can I report them for littering?
The Town encourages you to speak to your neighbours first as it may have been an oversight or they have been granted permission. If you feel that it was intentional or is occurring repeatedly contact the Town 9311 8111.
