A suite of covert surveillance cameras are the latest weapon in Brisbane City Council’s arsenal to fight illegal dumping in Brisbane, catching 36 dumpers in the dirty act last year.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said close to 100 camouflage CCTV cameras had been deployed across 150 illegal dumping locations across Brisbane, to catch people dumping their rubbish in bushland areas.

“One of the reasons Brisbane is a great place to live work and relax is because it is a clean city and our bushlands and public spaces are free from rubbish,” Cr Quirk said.

“A small number of people are continuing to rubbish our city and we want the community to help us play a part in putting a stop to these dirty culprits.

“Not only can residents help keep Brisbane a liveable and sustainable city for future generations by correctly disposing of their rubbish, but they can also help report illegal dumping so it can be investigated.

“Illegal dumping costs ratepayers around $500,000 each year to clean up – money that can’t be invested back into the community through grants, services or facilities.

“Not only does it cost ratepayers, but dumpers caught in the act can face fines upwards of $2,600 when they could be legally disposing of their rubbish for free at Council’s resource recovery centres.

“Council offers initiatives to help residents do the right thing such as free kerbside collection of large items, dedicated free hazardous household waste disposal days and free green-waste tipping days.”

Cr Quirk said Council targeted around 40 illegal dumping hotspots across the city where large volumes of waste were regularly dumped.

“Illegal dumpers target areas where they think they won’t get caught, such as bushland or isolated streets in the city’s outer suburbs,” Cr Quirk said.

“Not only is this dirty habit a blight on Brisbane’s beautiful landscape, but it can also harm animals and plants by leaching toxic contaminants.”

Council’s four resource recovery centres are located at Nudgee, Chandler, Ferny Grove and Willawong.

To report illegal dumping, contact Council on 3403 8888. For more information download the Brisbane Bin and Recycling app, call Council on 3403 8888 or visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au.