Images and footage have been released of two men illegally dumping waste on the Federation Trail in Laverton North earlier this year.
The men were captured on CCTV dumping a load of what appears to be household construction waste along the public walking and cycle path on January 24.
The men drove along the Federation Trail in an Isuzu Tradepack tray truck using fake number plates, before getting out and dumping the entire load on the nature reserve.
Environmental Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) chief executive Lee Miezis said he hoped releasing the CCTV footage and images would help them track down the offenders.
“If you recognise either of these men, or the truck, we would love to hear from you, anonymously if you wish,” said Mr Miezis who believes the offenders’ actions were pre-meditated and deliberate.
“The debris was cleaned up quickly by the manager of the trail, but the fact that fake plates were used on the Isuzu heavily suggests this wasn’t a spur of the moment transgression and the culprits had given real thought about proceeding with a criminal activity,” he said, adding that the Isuzu had unregistered Tasmanian number plates that had either been stolen or forged.
Illegal waste dumping is considered a growing problem as more people try to avoid the cost of legally disposing of waste.
According to the EPA, reports of illegally disposed waste have risen from eight a day in 2023 to 11 a day so far in 2025.
Footage of the incident is available at: youtu.be/5Gx_tFdem9A
Anyone who recognises the men or the truck in the footage or images is urged to call EPA Victoria 1300 372 842.
Anyone who witnesses illegal waste dumping can report it to the EPA by calling the same number or via the Snap, Send Solve website: www.snapsendsolve.com/
Cade Lucas.
