City of Stirling's Swift Clean-Ups May Have Fueled Illegal Dumping Surge
According to a recent report from the City of Stirling, efforts to combat illegal dumping might have backfired, potentially encouraging more waste offenses across the Perth area. The analysis highlights how the city's rapid clean-up responses could have created an unintended incentive for unlawful disposal.
Faster Service for Illegal Dumping Than Legal Options
The report details that the City of Stirling's clean-up times for illegally dumped rubbish were often quicker than its scheduled waste collection services for residents using lawful methods like on-demand verge collections and skip bins. City officers noted that residents relying on the on-demand service face wait times exceeding the removal window for illegal dumping.
For example, residents can expect skip bin deliveries in 10 to 15 working days, depending on demand, whereas illegal dumping cases were addressed almost immediately. This disparity effectively provided a superior level of service to those disposing of waste unlawfully compared to law-abiding citizens.
Contributing to a Rise in Illegal Dumping
City officers believe this reactive approach, focused on cleaning up reported cases, may have contributed to an increase in illegal dumping activities. They stated that the swift removal of dumped items reinforced a community behavior where people assumed items left on verges would eventually be collected, leading to a steady escalation in such incidents.
In recent years, the city's strategy has been largely reactive, but officers have now implemented a new sustainable response. This balanced approach integrates timely action with operational needs for investigation, education, and enforcement to address the root causes.
New Policies and Positive Outcomes
The current policy mandates that all illegal dumping reports be assessed within three working days, with removal occurring after investigation but no later than 10 working days from the initial report. This aligns more closely with the service levels of the on-demand bulk waste system, encouraging residents to use existing legal services rather than relying on reactive clean-ups.
In the 2023-24 period, about 6,400 cases of illegal dumping were reported or identified in the city, with approximately 4,100 assigned for removal. Recognizing low public awareness of legal disposal options, the city launched a targeted education and marketing campaign.
As a result, illegal dumping cases in 2025 fell by 14% compared to 2024. In suburbs like Balcatta, Balga, Dianella, Scarborough, and Westminster, where targeted campaigns were implemented, there was a 17% reduction, equating to 525 fewer cases than the previous year.
Legal Disposal Services and Future Initiatives
Residential property owners or renters in the City of Stirling are entitled to one free skip bin per year, with an additional bin available for $87.55. They can also access one mattress, white goods, or e-waste collection annually through the city's on-demand services, a system introduced in 2014.
Last July, the council narrowly approved a two-year trial of bulk waste verge collections in Balga, Mirrabooka, Nollamara, and Westminster, set to begin this July. The council is expected to vote on noting the outcomes of the illegal dumping campaign and the improved management approach at its February 24 meeting.
The maximum penalty for illegally dumping waste in Western Australia is $62,500 for individuals and $125,000 for corporations, underscoring the serious legal consequences of such actions.
