Cleaning up illegal dumping of waste

Narromine Shire Council wishes to remind everyone that ‘Illegal Dumping is a Crime’.

Illegal dumping is the disposal of waste larger than litter on either public or private land, where no licence or approval exists to accept such waste including green waste and fill material.

Narromine Shire Council’s General Manager, Mrs Jane Redden says, “What is probably the most frustrating element of illegal dumping is that Council provides two free tip tokens to property owners each financial year, so there really is no excuse to dump waste.”

Most people know illegal dumping is wrong, and they realise it is unacceptable, they just don’t think they will ever get caught, added Mrs Redden.

Residents are reminded that illegal dumping not only poses a direct threat to the surrounding environment and to human health. Illegally dumped materials can be hazardous, this includes asbestos and chemicals that can create a risk of soil and water contamination, fire and toxicity. Dumping of weeds and garden waste can destroy local bushland by reducing biodiversity and hindering revegetation.

Council’s officers undertake patrols and surveillance of all know ‘hotspots’ regularly and take a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of illegal dumping, no matter how small or what type of waste.

On the spot penalty notices are significant and can range from $4000 up to $15,000 for anyone caught dumping illegally. Polluters pay heavy penalties for potentially harming human health and the environment, repeat offenders can receive prison sentences of up to two years. 

An offender does not have to be the one that commits illegal dumping, just being the owner of the waste is enough for a penalty notice to be issued. 

Anyone witnessing illegal dumping is requested to report it to Council by phoning 6889 9999 or email

Further information about dumping of illegal waste can be found by visiting:


 Further Media Contact:

Narromine Shire Council, General Manager, Mrs Jane Redden T: 0407 438 422