Find out how to stop illegal dumping, and explore ways to dispose of your rubbish responsibly.
We live in a beautiful region and it is important to preserve the natural environment for current and future generations to enjoy.
Deliberately leaving, tipping or burying waste
on private or public land is considered illegal dumping. This includes leaving
items outside opportunity shops when they are closed. Dumped rubbish can impact our health, pollute our environment and threaten wildlife.
Illegal dumping costs Greater Geelong ratepayers approximately $800,000 every year. We employ CCTV to investigate illegal dumping, with offenders liable for fines of up to $9,900 under the Environment Protection Act.
You can help by reporting dumped rubbish when you see it, and disposing of your own rubbish responsibly.
Report dumped rubbish
Dumping in progress or dumped rubbish should be reported using our online form.
You can also report via our Geelong City App, by emailing [email protected] or by
calling customer service at 03 5272 5272.
Dumped industrial waste can be reported to the EPA.
Easy ways to dispose of rubbish responsibly
We all have a role to play in preserving the health of our environment and can assist by choosing appropriate options for disposal of unwanted materials or reporting illegal dumping that we observe.
Use our free hard waste collection
Our hard waste service has been extended until June 2021. You can arrange to have your bulky household items - including mattresses - picked up from your property twice a year at no extra cost.
Items that can be included in a free collection include:
- home appliances and electronics
- furniture and mattresses
- carpets
- small quantities of scrap metal and
- timber.
Find out more and make a booking on our hard waste page.
Drop your items off at our Resource Recovery Centres
Many items can be dropped off free at our Resource Recovery Centres, which are open 7 days a week (excluding Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day).
Home appliances and electronics, scrap metal, car batteries and excess recycling are just some of the items that are free to drop off in domestic quantities. The North Geelong facility accepts the widest range of materials, including:
- fluorescent light bulbs
- polystyrene
- household batteries and
- paint tins.
Other items including garden organics and general rubbish can also be dropped off for a fee. See the full list, fees and opening hours below:
Check our recycling guide for more information
Our recycling guide allows you to search by item to find out how to safely recycle or dispose of various goods.
We also run various special offers around chemical disposal and other waste drop-offs throughout the year. To stay updated, sign up for our Rethink Your Rubbish newsletter.