Dumping greenwaste in the bush

Sutherland Shire has more than 3000 hectares of bushland (excluding National Parks), much of which is under threat due to a history of dumping and the hundreds of kilometres of interface with residential areas.

Your bushland is a valuable resource to be preserved and treasured by the community for its beauty and diversity of plants and animals. It should be protected as a valuable educational, scientific and recreational resource.

Common myths about garden waste

Grass and garden clippings will act as mulch and help the bush.

False. The grass and clippings contain extra nutrients that favours weed growth and introduces weeds, seeds and plants that compete with native plants.

The prunings are going to rot.

False. Dumped branches, palm fronds and leaves crush the smoother native plants, impede access and increase fire hazard risk.

The bush will be all right.

False. The boundaries and creeks of our bushland are under stress from weeds and pollution. Further dumping will compound the problem.

My little bit of rubbish, soil and green waste should not matter.

False. All rubbish, soil and green waste has a negative impact on out bushland. Dumping attracts dumping.

What is the difference, it is all green.

False. Our local native bushland is unique in its diversity of plants and animals. Introduced plants alter habitats and reduce biodiversity. Live next to the bush? Take a close look, do you recognise some of your garden plants moving into the bush?

Results

Dumping by householders introduces weeds into bushland from seeds and from regenerating nodes and stems. Plants such as Agapanthus, Jasmine, lawn grasses, succulent plants and many others are often found invading the bush from dumped garden material.

On the edge of bushland, dumped lawn clippings and prunings smother native plants and can alter soil chemistry allowing exotic plants to thrive. Surrounding native plants are then shaded out or physically displaced. Weeds also add extra leaf litter to the soil stopping native plant germination. The tangle of weeds and dumped branches creates a fire hazard and physical barrier restricting access. It may provide habitat for pest species, such as foxes, rabbits and rates.

Dumping of soil in bushland is not only illegal but it smothers native plants and can accelerate weed invasion by introducing weed seeds, grass runners and nutrients. 

Solutions

1. Create a compost heap for kitchen scraps, grass clippings, prunings and dead plants. See short courses.
2. Use a mulching mower – your lawn will love it.
3. Create a native or vegetable garden to reduce the area of your lawn.
4. Make use of the Councils greenwaste service.
5. Plan pruning around council cleanup days.
6. Bring your branches to one of council's wood chipping days.

Report Illegal Dumping

Dumping is illegal and can incur heavy fines. Contact Council on 02 9710 0333 to report illegal dumping.

Green waste dumped in the bush

Dumping is illegal and harms bushland