While illegal dumping complaints were highest in several southern suburbs, Bald Hills has emerged as one of Brisbane’s most active enforcement areas, ranking fourth on the city’s list of suburbs where infringement notices and warnings have been issued.
A mattress abandoned beside a road. Tyres dumped on vacant land. Household rubbish left where it does not belong. These are the kinds of incidents driving a growing surveillance crackdown across Brisbane, with more than 200 AI-assisted cameras now operating at known dumping hotspots and high-risk locations.
The figures place Bald Hills alongside locations such as Mount Coot-tha, Mount Gravatt and Richlands as authorities increase efforts to identify offenders and reduce illegal dumping across Brisbane.
Cameras Expand Across Brisbane
The latest enforcement data comes as additional motion-activated cameras are installed across the city. The surveillance devices can help identify vehicles, number plates, people and dumped items, providing investigators with information that can support enforcement action.
Around 25 additional cameras were installed during the past year, bringing the citywide network to more than 200 devices.
Authorities say the expanded system has contributed to a significant increase in the number of offenders being identified, with more than 850 infringement notices and warnings issued so far in 2026.
The penalties have generated more than $525,000, while illegal dumping continues to cost ratepayers an estimated $500,000 each year in clean-up expenses.
Bald Hills Among Brisbane’s Top Enforcement Locations
Unlike complaint rankings, which measure reports received from the public, infringement and warning figures reflect locations where offenders have been identified and action has been taken.
Bald Hills recorded 45 infringement notices and warnings during 2026, placing it fourth across Brisbane. The suburb sits within a corridor that includes major transport routes, industrial activity, bushland areas and open spaces, all of which can become targets for illegal dumping.
The figures suggest enforcement activity in the area has been particularly effective, with investigators able to identify and take action against offenders.
| 2026 | Most Illegal Dumping Complaints | Most Infringement & Warning Notices | Notices Issued |
| 1 | Moorooka | Mount Coot-tha | 318 |
| 2 | Sunnybank Hills | Mount Gravatt | 125 |
| 3 | New Farm | Richlands | 49 |
| 4 | Coorparoo | Bald Hills | 45 |
| 5 | Forest Lake | Cannon Hill | 38 |
| 6 | Morningside | Bulwer | 35 |
| 7 | Carina | Doolandella | 25 |
| 8 | Runcorn | Willawong | 22 |
| 9 | Sunnybank | Chandler | 19 |
| 10 | Annerley | Nathan | 19 |
Illegal Dumping Takes Many Forms
Illegal dumping extends far beyond bags of household rubbish. Mattresses, furniture, whitegoods, green waste, tyres and construction materials are among the items commonly collected during clean-up operations across Brisbane.
Some items are left in bushland or roadside locations, while others are dumped near public facilities, vacant land or industrial areas. Apart from creating an eyesore, dumped materials can damage vegetation, affect waterways and create safety hazards for residents and visitors.
Legal Disposal Options Available
Residents looking to dispose of unwanted items have several alternatives available.
Household rubbish and recycling can be managed through regular collection services, while larger items can be taken to resource recovery centres and transfer stations. Waste vouchers, hazardous waste disposal events and charitable donations provide additional options for residents seeking to dispose of unwanted items responsibly.
Anyone who witnesses illegal dumping can report incidents through Brisbane’s online reporting system or by contacting the council directly. Providing information such as locations, photographs and descriptions can assist investigations.
Published 3-June-2026
Featured Image Credit: LMAdrianSchrinner/Facebook
