New government legislation tabled in Parliament this week will see tougher penalties imposed for water and litter dumping and the prospect of vehicle seizures as a result of the activity.
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Under current legislation, fines typically do not exceed $8000, no matter how much waste is illegally dumped.
A person might incur a $326 fine for littering a single item or $3260 for dumping a large garbage bag illegally.
Through amendments to laws, new offences have been created to deter more serious large-scale dumping of material such as types, asbestos and building waste.
If dumped waste is between two cubic metres and 10 cubic metres, a person may be fined up to $16,300 and a corporation up to $32,600.
If the waste exceeds 10 cubic metres, a person could face a $32,600 fine and a corporation a $81,500 fine.
The laws state there is the potential for a person or business to be forced to forfeit any vehicle, vessel and trailer used in illegal dumping.
Littering and waste dumping can be reported to the Environment Protection Authority through an online form or its litter hotline on 1300 135 513.
