Is a new phone, appliance or electrical device on your Christmas list? Maybe a new outfit or furniture?

“Chances are, this Christmas, if you receive something new it will update something you already had and, in that case, what will you do with your old gear?’ asked Paul Ratajczyk, EPA’s North West Regional Manager.

“I’m seeing people’s discarded household items just dumped in our beautiful bushland. It’s illegal. It’s about making your problem someone else’s and needs to be stamped out,” said Mr Ratajczyk.

“Disposal of replaced items no longer demands you take a trip to the tip. Many items, especially if in good repair, could have value for someone else.”

Electronic waste or e-waste, that is anything with a battery, plug or power cord, like televisions, computers, mobile phones, kitchen appliances, whitegoods, batteries (including rechargeable batteries) and photovoltaic panels can be recycled and valuable wiring and components given a new use.  

Many items that you may be updating can be dropped off for free at the Eaglehawk Recycle Shop located at the front of the Eaglehawk Landfill, as well as nearby transfer stations in Strathfieldsaye, Heathcote and Goornong.This includes e-waste, clothing, old bikes, sheets and towels and toys. For more information, visit https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/residents/general-waste-recycling-and-organics

For information about disposing of batteries, go to the battery disposal and recycling website at Australia’s official battery stewardship scheme - B-cycle

“What EPA, Parks Victoria and the City of Greater Bendigo don’t want to see this Christmas is people deciding they can’t be bothered doing the right thing and illegally dumping items in Bendigo’s parkland making their problem the community’s problem,” said Mr Ratajczyk.

“If you’re lucky enough to get updated devices for Christmas, it’s yours’ and everyone’s environmental duty to properly dispose of the old gear. Charity shops aren’t dump sites. Our Parkland is not a Wasteland, as everyone in Bendigo has no doubt, already heard.

“We don’t want to see the already high level of dumping in Bendigo’s parks increase this Christmas. EPA and Parks Victoria cameras are on the lookout and have already provided several leads as we fight this problem.

“There are plenty of avenues for the appropriate and often free disposal of items.”

Mathew Sobey, Parks Victoria Ranger Team Leader said, “It is disheartening to see the beautiful bushland surrounding Bendigo being tarnished by illegal rubbish dumping, especially when there are so many easy, responsible and affordable options for disposal.

“Christmas is a time of giving, and it is also a great opportunity to take care of our environment. As with every holiday season, we are expecting a spike in visitors and tourists to our local parks. If you’re heading out for a walk or run, setting up a picnic for your family, going birdwatching, horse riding, prospecting or camping—the last thing you want is someone else’s rubbish to spoil your experience. Our parkland is not a wasteland.

"Caring for our environment is a shared responsibility. If you’ve upgraded your old gear, please don’t leave it in our parks. Instead, take it to the designated transfer station or recycling centre. Let’s all do our part to protect the places we love and keep Bendigo’s natural spaces clean and safe for everyone."

Mr Ratajczyk reminded Bendigo residents that E-waste is banned from landfill in Victoria. Not only is much of it recyclable, but lithium batteries in particular, are fire hazards if not treated appropriately.

“Separate your e-waste from the storing, processing and disposal of other waste. Both e-waste and processed e-waste materials must be handled and stored with due care to avoid leakage and the release of hazardous substances into air, water or soil,” he said. 

“Recycling at any time is great. Dumping in Bendigo’s parkland is not and if EPA can prove who did it, we will take further action and that could include a fine or even a day in court.” For more go to https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/media-releases/2024/11/07/21/32/campaign-rubbish-dumping-bendigo-parks