Illegal dumping seen to be on the rise

MANY local community op-shops and charity bin locations across Geelong have been struck by illegal dumping, with the practice seen to be on the rise post-Christmas and into the New Year.

The North Geelong Salvation Army is one of a handful of community op-shops left with donated goods overflowing outside of charity bins, with many items left lying across the nature strip and leaning on entrance gates.

The City of Greater Geelong says it is aware of rubbish dumping at the Salvation Army North Geelong, as well as dumping at the Geelong Arena, and is responding.

“Dumping rubbish harms the environment and it’s frustrating for residents and authorities,” Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said.

“Unfortunately, this not an isolated incident and we have seen an increasing trend of illegal waste dumping across Greater Geelong.

“We have responded to more than 4000 requests to clean up dumped rubbish over the past year, costing ratepayers around $800,000.”

During the 2021-22 financial year, the city received 4,032 requests for clean-ups, a six per cent rise on the previous year.

Signs have been placed at the North Geelong Salvation Army to ask residents to stop and make sure their donations count.

The city encourages residents to report litter or dumping online, or speak to their customer service team on 5272 5272.