During that period, there were 1056 reports of illegal dumping across the shire, up from 617 in 2023/24.
Almost 60 per cent of these reports came from the southern end of the shire, with 276 in Wallan and 352 in Beveridge.
The two southern suburbs also accounted for about 55 per cent of council’s illegal dumping collections, at around 231 tonnes.
Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said there was no excuse for illegal dumping.
“We know how frustrating it is for residents to see rubbish dumped in their streets, parks and reserves,” Cr Dougall said.
“Every time someone dumps rubbish, ratepayers are left to pay for it.
“Last year, that bill was more than $250,000, all because some people would rather dump their rubbish on a roadside than take it to the resource recovery centre.”
Council officers can issue on-the-spot fines of more than $1000 for illegal dumping.
In 2025/26, council issued 61 infringement notices totalling $85,000, and three offenders were prosecuted in 2024/25.
“We’ve taken people to court for dumping rubbish and we’ll keep doing it,” Cr Dougall said.
“If you dump rubbish in Mitchell Shire, we’ll do everything we can to find you and make you pay.”
Illegal dumping can attract penalties of up to $600,000 and seven years’ imprisonment for individuals, and up to $1.2 million for corporations.
In response to the increase in illegal dumping, council has installed CCTV cameras at dumping hotspots and launched the Dob in a Dumper campaign, urging residents to report dumping and suspicious behaviour.
Council also works with the Environment Protection Authority Victoria and neighbouring councils to identify offenders.
Mitchell Shire ratepayers receive five Resource Recovery Centre vouchers each year, each worth up to $40, redeemable at centres in Broadford, Pyalong, Seymour and Wallan.
Many commonly dumped items — including e-waste, cardboard, gas bottles, steel and car batteries — can be dropped off free of charge.
“If you see someone dumping rubbish, take down the number plate and report it. Your report could be the one that helps us take them to court,” Cr Dougall said.
“Dumped rubbish contaminates land and waterways, harms wildlife and creates health and fire hazards in the places our community enjoys. It’s selfish and it has to stop.”
Residents who witness illegal dumping are urged to note vehicle details and number plates, the date, time and location, and the type of waste dumped.
Photos or videos, if it is safe to take them, can provide crucial evidence.
Illegal dumping can be reported online via Report It, through the My Mitchell mobile app, by calling council on 5734 6200, or by calling the EPA’s 24-hour pollution hotline on 1300 372 842.
21°C