Frequently asked questions about reporting litter from vehicles
Am I wasting my time reporting littering from vehicles?
No. The EPA currently receives a large number of littering reports from members of the public. Appropriate action is taken on confirmed reports, which includes an advisory letter being issued to the registered owner of a vehicle from which the litter was discarded.
What types of litter can I report?
The EPA will accept reports of all types of litter from vehicles. The types of litter most commonly reported are:
- cigarette butts
- paper or plastic
- food wrappers
- drink containers.
What is important for the EPA to take action is that the litter was discarded from inside the vehicle. The litter may have been thrown, dropped, blown or placed on the ground.
How do I report other types of litter?
Litter that was not discarded from inside a vehicle (for example, litter outside a vehicle or from an uncovered load) is handled by different agencies, depending on the specific situation.
Contact Environment Line for more information.
By phone: 131 555
By email: info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Why do I have to provide my personal details when making a report?
When the motor vehicle pollution reporting service was first established, some anonymous reports were found to be vexatious. Eliminating anonymous reports helps reduce the number of vexatious reports, which makes our system more efficient.
Will my personal details be passed on to the owner of the vehicle?
No. Personal details of reporters are protected under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.
See your privacy rights
Why does so much detail need to be included in reports?
The EPA insists both the description and registration number of the observed vehicle be included in the report. The registration number is necessary to identify the registered vehicle owner. Including a description of the vehicle helps reveal any mistakes, such as a registration plate number being misread or mistyped, by cross-checking the two pieces of information.
What happens to a littering report?
The EPA will attempt to match the vehicle description provided in the report with the registration details. If the observed vehicle’s details are matched with a vehicle registration, the EPA will issue an advisory letter to the owner. The letter advises the vehicle owner that littering has been observed and notifies of the environmental impacts and penalties associated with littering.
If a vehicle is reported by an authorised officer, the EPA will issue a penalty infringement notice.
Will the owner of the vehicle be fined?
No. The EPA will only issue a penalty if littering from a vehicle is observed by an authorised officer.
Can I report interstate registered vehicles?
NSW EPA can action reports of vehicles registered in:
- NSW
- ACT
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Victoria.
For Northern Territory, Tasmania or Western Australia registered vehicles, contact the relevant state agency.
Why do incidents have to be reported within 14 days?
Reporting within 14 days of observing litter being discarded from a vehicle allows the EPA to contact vehicle owners in a timely and efficient manner.
NSW legislation requires fines to be issued within a given time from an incident and the EPA applies similar criteria to warning letters.
Can I report by fax or email?
Yes. However, reports lodged online and via the mobile app reduce the processing time, improve the accuracy of the report details and increase the effectiveness of our litter from vehicles compliance program.
If you wish to submit a report by fax or email, contact Environment Line
By phone: 131 555
By email: info@environment.nsw.gov.au
By fax: 02 9995 5911
Where can I find out about the Report to EPA mobile app?
The report to EPA mobile app can be used to report smoky vehicles, litter from vehicles and noisy exhaust via your mobile device.
Get more information about the app
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
Contact Environment Line
By phone: 131 555
By email: info@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Page last updated: 21 February 2013
