Nearly $10,000 in penalties issued for illegal dumping in Alice Springs
Since September 2025, nearly $10,000 in penalties have been issued to individuals for causing an environmental nuisance under the Waste Management and Pollution Control Act 1998, following illegal dumping activities on Crown land in Alice Springs.
The penalties follow public reports and ongoing Crimson Camera investigations undertaken as part of Operation: Don’t Be A Dumper (DBAD) – a multi-agency initiative involving the Department of Lands, Planning and Environment’s (DLPE) Environmental Regulation and Crown Lands teams, as well as the:
- Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority (NT EPA)
- Parks and Wildlife
- Alice Springs Town Council
- Lhere Aretepe Aboriginal Corporation.
For more information about the operation, go to the NT EPA website.
Reports of illegal dumping around Alice Springs have been increasing in recent years. This activity harms local ecosystems, reduces amenity, can affect land value and can cost the taxpayer tens of thousands of dollars a year in clean-up fees.
The messaging is clear, illegal dumping is a crime with serious consequences. Offenders will be required to clean up the dumped waste, face substantial fines, and in severe cases may receive prison sentences of up to 5 years.
DLPE environmental regulation officers continue to focus on deterring and responding to dumping reports from across the region as a part of DBAD.
Officers also acknowledge and thank members of the public whose reports and information remain critical in identifying and investigating dumping activities.
Members of the public can report illegal dumping by calling 1800 064 567, emailing pollution@nt.gov.au, or submitting a report online on the NT EPA website.
