PARKS Victoria has witnessed rising amounts of rubbish dumped in forests around Bendigo, diverting its time and resources.
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There were about 150 cases of rubbish dumping last year alone, including in the national park, regional park and smaller reserves around the city.
Dumping is also an ongoing problem for the City of Greater Bendigo too, which can fine people $350 for leaving piles of rubbish on country roadsides.
"It's very difficult to find the culprits unless someone witnesses them dumping rubbish or if they happen to leave incriminating evidence at the site," the council's acting presentation and assets director Adrian Gasperoni said.
The comments came after a resident south of Strathfieldsaye noticed an apparent increase in the number of illegal dumps on roads like Emu Creek Road, Mannes Road and Axedale Road.
All are managed by the council.
The resident, who asked not to be named over fears of reprisals from those dumping, said rubbish in the last year has included building material, furniture and green waste.
The same person said they had been disgusted to come across a pile of bags full of rubbish in the Greater Bendigo National Park last year.
Parks Victoria's rangers have seen higher amounts of commercial and building waste, area chief ranger Karen Doyle.
"Just some of the impacts of rubbish dumped in the bush include: waste making it into waterways and contaminating local water supplies; garden clippings spreading invasive weeds into the bush and competing with native species," she said.
Animals can also be poisoned if they eat household waste, Ms Doyle said.
"We ask that people take their rubbish to the nearest transfer station and their litter home with them to both protect the environment and to ensure that other visitors can enjoy these special places," she said.
Like the council, the Environmental Protection Authority can penalise people caught dumping rubbish.
If you see rubbish being dumped call the PA Litter line on 1300 372 842. You can also make a report online by clicking here.