Would you react the same way?  Driver shocked at ‘gross’ discovery

It’s a sight that would make any Australian’s blood boil—and for one driver, it was enough to bring her to tears. 

On a routine drive along Stock Road in Lakelands, near a rapidly growing housing development, the driver was confronted by a scene that was both heartbreaking and infuriating. 

Piles of illegally dumped rubbish, including broken glass, smashed TVs, and discarded lawn mowers, littering the roadside reserve. 

But it wasn’t just the mess that got to Kayla Gallop, a single mum from Western Australia’s southwest coast. As she pulled over to snap photos, Kayla and her two young children watched in horror as a mother kangaroo and her joey gingerly picked their way through the debris. 

‘It just absolutely killed me,’ Kayla said. ‘It was really eye-opening and I thought, I’m not going to sit back anymore—this has been annoying me for months. What are we doing to the Earth? What are we showing our children?’

The symbolism wasn’t lost on her: a mother kangaroo with her baby, navigating a hazardous landscape, while Kayla stood by with her own children, wanting something better for both her family and the environment. It was a moment that spurred her into action.

Within hours, Kayla had reported the illegal dumping to the City of Mandurah and took to social media, urging locals to ‘do better’ and even launching the hashtag #DontTakeADumpInMandurah. Her message was clear: enough is enough.

But as is often the case, the issue is more complex than it first appears. Some locals responded to Kayla’s call to action by pointing out the high cost of legal waste disposal. 

At Mandurah’s Waste Management Centre, dumping a boot-load of rubbish costs $25 for a sedan and $37 for an SUV. 

If you’re hauling a trailer, the price jumps to $51 or more, depending on the size. For families already struggling with the rising cost of living, these fees can be a real deterrent.

Kayla, who is herself a low-income earner, believes the council could do more to help. She suggested that the City of Mandurah offer a free tip day each month for those doing it tough, making it easier for everyone to dispose of their rubbish responsibly. 

While homeowners receive four tip vouchers a year, renters often miss out, as property managers don’t always pass them on.

Mayor Caroline Knight acknowledged the problem, noting that illegal dumping is a persistent issue not just in Mandurah, but across Australia. 

‘Sadly, the illegal dumping of waste occurs in bushland across the city and in other local government areas on both public and private property, leading to environmental impacts, and costly clean-ups for the city and affected landowners,’ she said.

The city is currently investigating the dumping along Stock Road, and anyone caught can face fines of up to $10,000 under the Litter Act 1979, with a minimum penalty of $200.

But is enforcement enough? Danny Gorog, CEO and founder of Snap Send Solve, says the problem points to a bigger issue: accessibility and awareness. 

‘Whether it’s dumped tyres in fields or household waste dumped in laneways, it shows we need better solutions to make proper disposal easier and more convenient,’ he said. 

‘While most people do the right thing, it only takes a few to create a big mess for everyone else.’

Credit: Kayla Gallop / Facebook

The environmental toll

Illegal dumping isn’t just an eyesore—it’s a real threat to our native wildlife and bushland. Broken glass and sharp metal can injure animals, while chemicals and electronics can leach toxins into the soil and waterways. 

For iconic species like kangaroos, which are already under pressure from habitat loss and urban expansion, these hazards can be deadly.

And let’s not forget the cost to the community. Councils spend millions each year cleaning up after illegal dumpers—money that could be better spent on parks, libraries, or community programs.

Why do people dump?

While there’s no excuse for dumping rubbish in our beautiful bushland, it’s worth asking: why do people do it? For some, it’s the cost and inconvenience of legal disposal. 

For others, it’s a lack of awareness about the impact of their actions, or a belief that ‘someone else will clean it up.’ But as Kayla’s story shows, the consequences are all too real.

What can be done?

More accessible waste disposal: Councils could consider more frequent free tip days, or make it easier for renters to access tip vouchers.

Community clean-up days: Getting locals involved in regular clean-ups can foster a sense of pride and responsibility.

Education campaigns: Raising awareness about the environmental and financial costs of illegal dumping can help change attitudes.

Reporting and enforcement: Tools like Snap Send Solve make it easier for residents to report illegal dumping, and tougher penalties can act as a deterrent.

Your turn: Have your say

Have you witnessed illegal dumping in your area? Do you think tip fees are too high, or is it simply a matter of personal responsibility? What solutions would you like to see from your local council?

We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Have you ever taken part in a community clean-up, or reported illegal dumping? Do you have ideas for how we can all do better? Share your stories and suggestions in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation going and work together for a cleaner, greener Australia.

Also read: One photo was all it took as tradie fined $30,000 for illegal dumping