28 August 2025
Efforts to tackle illegal dumping at known hotspots are being ramped up with the use of a mobile CCTV surveillance unit to catch offenders in the act.
As part of Southern Downs Regional Council’s See it, Stop it, Report it initiative, unsupervised bin compounds will be monitored to collect footage of unauthorised items being disposed, and offenders will be issued with warnings, fines and subject to legal action where necessary.
Council’s waste education warrior Sort-It Sally said there’s no excuse for illegal dumping.
“Dumping waste where it doesn’t belong is messy and unfair to everyone who is doing the right thing,” Sort-It Sally said.
“Unsupervised bin compounds are intended only for household waste but they have unfortunately become dumping grounds for bulky items like furniture, whitegoods, and building materials which pose serious environmental and health risks.
“We all share this region and we all have a responsibility in keeping it clean and safe.”
Council’s spokesperson for Healthy Communities Cr Sarah Deane said illegal dumping diverts ratepayer dollars and Council crews from core business and beneficial projects for the whole community.
“It’s not just about unsightly mess. Dumped waste pollutes our environment, spreads invasive pests, blocks stormwater drains and even creates fire hazards and road safety risks,” Cr Deane said.
“Cleaning up these sites costs time and money and that burden ultimately falls on our ratepayers.”
Surveillance is conducted in accordance with the
Information Privacy Act 2009, and the footage is used to support investigations and issue fines where necessary.
A full list of Council’s waste facilities and details about what can be disposed of at each site can be found at
https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/waste-recycling.
Council is asking the community to be part of the solution:
• Dispose of waste correctly
• Educate others about proper waste practices
• Report illegal dumping when you see it
Reports can be made via the My SDRC app, website or by calling Customer Service on 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372). Including details such as location, time and photos can help Council investigate and take appropriate action. If identifying evidence is found at a dumping site, residents are asked to delay clean-up until Council can assess the area.
This initiative is supported by funding from the Queensland Government’s Illegal Dumping Partnerships Program.
Last edited date 28 Aug 2025