Dob in a Litterer through a new app

This latest tool which has been developed by the EPA to discourage littering, coincides with the introduction of the litter provisions of the Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act 2016 that came into effect from the start of this month.

The free app is available through the EPA website, Android and Apple phones and tablets. Update: this app is no longer available. You can report littering to the local council.

EPA Chief Executive Tony Circelli said the app features photo capabilities to capture littering incidents from vehicles including the registration number.

“The Dob in a Litterer app is designed to target litter such as cigarette butts, lit cigarettes, fast food packaging and drink containers, discarded from any vehicle including trailers,” Mr Circelli said.

“Other features include drop-down-menus to identify the type, model and colour of the offending vehicle and a map to determine the exact location where the littering took place.”

Information can be dispatched immediately to be investigated by the EPA but must be lodged within 14 days of the alleged offence.

“An expiation notice will be issued to the vehicle owner if the registration details are matched and verified,” Mr Circelli said.

The expiation fee for littering varies from $210 for small amounts of general litter, and from $500 up to $1,000 for Class B hazardous litter.

Class B hazardous litter includes live cigarettes, used syringes and glass.

Cases of illegal littering involving kerbside or roadside dumping must still be reported to a local council where the incident has taken place.