RESIDENTS are losing their patience with illegal dumpers, figures show.
Redland City Council data showed more than three times the number of illegal dumping reports were received in 2018 than the previous year.
A council spokesperson said 287 reports were received in 2018, compared to 94 in 2017.
The spokesperson said the cost to clean up and dispose of the material was $88,281, which was similar to the the clean up costs in 2017.
"Feedback from officers is there hasn’t been a noticeable increase in illegal dumping but residents are more aware and reporting incidents more readily, which is welcomed," the spokesperson said.
Illegal dumping refers to the unlawful deposit of any type of waste material that is 200 litres or more, or about the volume of a wheelie bin, while littering refers to deposits of less than 200 litres.
Keep Queensland Beautiful CEO David Curtin said the organisation tried to hold culprits accountable whenever they received reports of illegal dumping.
"It is normal practice for a notice to be provided to the alleged offender, giving them a directive to go back and clean up their mess," Mr Curtin said.
He said people or corporations who failed to comply could be issued fines.
“We bag up the loose items to stop them flying away,” Mr Curtin said.
“We then tape off the area and hope the person returns to do the right thing.
“In December last year, in Alexandra Hills, the culprit returned to clean up their trash after we telephoned them.”
Mr Curtin said Keep Queensland Beautiful had noticed several problem areas for littering and illegal dumping, including the bushland that backed onto Cascade Gardens at Victoria Point and other bushland sites.
Environmental organisations, council and the state government have measures in place to reduce the impact of littering and illegal dumping.
The state government has proposed the use of revenue from the waste levy – which is set to be introduced in July – to fund various projects that would reduce litter.
Environment minister Leeanne Enoch said 70 per cent of revenue raised from the waste levy would go towards funding compliance work to reduce the risk of litter and illegal dumping, among other initiatives.
Mr Curtin said the services available meant there were no excuses for illegal dumping.
"(Council) has a green bin service and free dumping at transfer stations," he said.
"No one has a valid reason to not do the right thing here in our beautiful city."
