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Roadside Litter

The issue with Roadside Litter

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Roadside litter is a visible and persistent waste problem. From busy highways to local roads, discarded drink containers, takeaway packaging, cigarette butts and illegal dumping impact our environment, communities and wildlife.

Unlike many other forms of litter, roadside litter often accumulates in places that are difficult and unsafe to access due to fast-moving vehicles and other roadside hazards. This makes preventing litter and reporting significant litter or illegal dumping especially important.

By taking simple actions, we can all play a role in creating cleaner, safer roadsides.

THE PROBLEM

Every year, Australia’s roads and highways accumulate vast amounts of litter, with highways identified as the country’s most littered environments.

Common types of roadside litter

Beverage bottles, cans, and takeaway packaging  
Household bags of rubbish left in rest stops 
Blown tyres, vehicle debris, or items fallen from unsecured loads 
Larger items like furniture or whitegoods left on the verge

This litter often doesn’t simply stay where it falls – it blows into bushland, washes into waterways and breaks into microplastics that harm ecosystems.

Impact

Harms wildlife through entanglement and ingestion.
Reduces community pride and amenities.
Creates additional Clean Up costs for councils and road authorities.
Contributes to road safety hazards.

Managing roadside litter presents unique challenges. Many major roads are managed by state road authorities rather than local councils, and strict safety requirements often mean community Clean Ups cannot take place in these locations.

What you can do

Report roadside litter

If you spot a litter hotspot, report it to your local council or the relevant road authority. Reporting helps identify problem areas and build the case for greater action.

Use Snap Send Solve

Take a photo and report roadside litter through Snap Send Solve. Your report goes to the authorities responsible and helps raise awareness of ongoing issues. * Safety first: If you’re on the road, please ensure you are safely pulled over or that a passenger is taking the Snap. Never use your phone while driving. You can also report the roadside litter later once you’ve completed your trip.

Be a voice for change

Contact your local councilor or Member of Parliament and let them know roadside litter is important to your community. Community advocacy helps prioritise litter prevention initiatives.

More Actions You Can Take

Share the message

Talk to your friends, family and community about the impact of roadside litter, and how to report it. Wherever you find yourself in Australia, we’ve prepared a state-by-state guide for reporting roadside litter and littering from vehicles.

Lead by example

Keep a small bin or bag in your car for rubbish to dispose of waste responsibly when you reach your destination.

Cover your load to help stop it from falling onto our roads – this simple action can make a big difference.

Help build momentum for change

Every report, conversation and action contributes to a better understanding of roadside litter and helps advocate for practical solutions. Together, we can create cleaner roadsides and prevent litter from reaching our environment.