The Shire continues to crackdown on illegal dumping

Published on 05 June 2026

The Shire has issued a series of fines in the past month following several waste dumping offences across the municipality, with individuals and businesses found to be responsible. 

This action follows ongoing investigations by Shire officers into incidents of illegally dumped waste across the Peninsula, including vegetation and waste generated from businesses. 

Among the recent offences: 

• A Clyde North based company was fined $6,105 for unlawfully depositing waste generated from its fishing charter operation on a road reserve.  
• A $2,035 fine was issued to the driver of a company vehicle witnessed urinating into a bottle, before depositing it on the roadside.  
• An excavation company based in Tootgarook received penalties totalling $18,306 for depositing waste and failing to comply with statutory notices issued by the Shire.  
• A Delahey man was fined $1,221 after being witnessed depositing soiled nappies and general household waste on the Dromana Foreshore.  
• A resident from Capel Sound was fined $2,035 after depositing vegetation from a private property into a Shire reserve.  
• A $6,105 fine was issued to a Sorrento food premises for failing to comply with a Waste Abatement Notice, after repeatedly depositing waste in a laneway behind the business.  

Illegal dumping of waste causes damage to our public spaces, reserves and foreshore areas, while costing ratepayers an estimated $750,000 each year in clean-up and disposal costs.

Shire officers will continue to patrol hot spots across the municipality and will thoroughly investigate reports of illegal dumping.

Acting Mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro said: It’s a timely reminder to residents that many waste items can be disposed of free of charge through our Shire waste and recycling services, including at our resource and recovery centres.

“We know our residents and local business owners are keen to keep the Mornington Peninsula clean, safe and beautiful.

“Individuals caught doing the irresponsible thing - illegally dumping waste on our reserves, beaches and roads will face prosecution and substantial penalties,” said Cr Pingiaro.

For a full list of items that can be disposed free of charge at our tips, visit: Free of charge items at our resource recovery centres (tips).