Litter in our parks and public spaces is a big problem. Not only does it affect our ability to enjoy our parks and open spaces, but it has long-term damaging effects on the environment.
The problem with litter is that it doesn’t always stay in one place. Wind, rain and wildlife can move litter around. Litter that finds its way into the waterways in Greater Dandenong then flows into Port Philip Bay and the ocean beyond.
Even small amounts of litter can be harmful to people, wildlife and the natural environment. Litter can stay in our environment for a very long time.
Did you know,
- a cigarette butt will take up to five years to break down
- a disposable coffee cup will take up to 30 years to break down
- a plastic soft drink bottle will take over 450 years to break down
Some items, like plastic, never really breakdown they just break into smaller pieces.
We need your help to keep the City of Greater Dandenong clean and free from litter.
Bin it!
Always put your rubbish in a bin. If there is no bin, look for a bin nearby or take it home with you. Council will gladly accept your litter in our public bins or your household bins.
Next time you see our Waste Education officers out and about at our community events, let them know why you Bin It. You will find our upcoming waste education events listed below.
Report
Littering is regulated under the Environment Protection Act 2017 and hefty fines do apply, so do the right thing and bin it or take it home with you.
Make a commitment to yourself, the community and the environment by always binning your waste. Set an example and never litter, if you see someone who does, call it out or report it to Council.
If you see someone littering before getting into a vehicle or from a vehicle, it is important to provide as much information as possible, including:
- item that was littered
- the location of the littering
- the date and time you saw the littering
- any identifying details such as vehicle make, registration and colour
You can report littering in the City of Greater Dandenong via four options below.
If the littering occurs outside of the City of Greater Dandenong, you can report to the EPA Victoria on 1300 372 842.
Online
Call Us
Call Customer Service on 8571 1000.
Call Centre hours: Monday - Friday: 8.30am - 5pm.
Call Centre diverts to an after-hours service at other times (emergencies only).
Visit us in person
Visit Council's customer service centres and submit a hard copy confidential litter report form.
We have three Customer Service Centres spread throughout the City. To find your closest centre, view the locations at the bottom of this page.
Litter Free Pledge
The Litter Free Pledge is a promise to not litter our environment. It is a pledge to take responsibility for your waste, even if it flies out of your hand on a windy day or if there is no rubbish bin nearby. Littering pollutes our environment and significantly harms the use, enjoyment and value of our public places.
No Butts About It
Cigarette butts are the most commonly littered item in Australia. They make our way into our land and waterways, harming the environment and animals.
To make it easier to do the right thing, Council has installed ashtrays on public litter bins around the municipality.
Pick Up After Pets
Your pet's waste is litter and carries bacteria that is harmful to humans and the environment when it washes into our waterways and bay.
Remember to bring a bag and put it in the bin.
Feed the Bins, Not the Birds
While it can be a pleasurable experience to feed birds, we must remember they are wild animals and feeding can do harm to the bird. Feeding or leaving food such as bread, rice or food scraps is littering.
Enjoy watching local wildlife, but please feed the bins, not the birds.
Clean Up the Community
Putting your waste in the bin is the first step to preventing litter, if you're motivated to help the environment more consider picking up litter if you see it. There are a number of fun initiatives that you can become involved in, including:
