Litter and illegal dumping

Everybody hates littering and dumping. Here’s what we’re doing to stop it, and what you can do to help.

The EPA is implementing actions to fulfil that commitment, including programs under Hey Tosser and the Illegal Dumping Strategy.

Litter and illegal dumping means tossing, tipping or depositing waste on land and in water, where it pollutes the environment and can harm human health. Dumped materials range from a piece of litter and small bags of rubbish to larger scale dumping of hazardous waste such as asbestos and chemicals in isolated bushland areas. Cleaning up this waste is expensive.

Litter and illegal dumping are serious problems in NSW. By working together, we can

  • reduce the problem, keeping our bushland, parks and public places clean
  • protect people and the environment from hazardous waste
  • spread the message that littering and illegal dumping are wrong and offenders will be penalised
  • increase reporting of illegal dumping and littering

EPA action to stop litter

The EPA

Help prevent littering

  • Put your rubbish in the bin or take it with you
  • Register to report littering from vehicles
  • Find out if there are community group or council litter prevention programs in your area you can get involved with.
  • Understand why people litter.

EPA action to stop illegal dumping

Consultation on the draft NSW Illegal Dumping Strategy 2022-2027 is open until October 17.

The EPA

Donator or dumper?

Watch a video highlighting the huge cost of illegal dumping on charities.