Report a problem – Pollution

How to reduce smoke

Avoid burning when you can:

• Compost green waste or take it to a Waste and Recycling Centre
• Recycle or reuse materials instead of burning them
• Take large branches or trees to a waste centre

If you need to burn:

• Only burn dry, seasoned wood or charcoal.
• Never burn green vegetation, treated timber, rubbish, chemicals or wet materials.
• Make sure the fire has good airflow so it burns efficiently and produces less smoke.
• Check the weather and choose a calm day. Watch wind direction so smoke doesn’t impact neighbours.
• Keep water or other fire–control materials nearby.
• Light fires in a cleared area away from homes, overhanging branches and anything flammable.
• Check Queensland Fire Department for any current fire bans: call 1800 020 440 or visit the QFD website.
• If you’re planning an outdoor fire—or have concerns about a neighbour’s fire—have a friendly chat to prevent issues.

How to reduce spray drift

• Conduct spray painting in a ventilated enclosed area, for example, a shed, with doors and windows closed
• Monitor weather conditions and schedule work on a calm day and monitor wind direction so spray doesn’t affect neighbours
• Use physical barriers such as sheeting when spraying outside
• Consider using a brush rather than a spray for paint or weed killer

How to reduce general odour

• Keep rubbish to a minimum by composting and mulching organic waste and garden clippings
• Cover compost bins or garden clippings
• Aerate compost
• Freeze food waste (meat, leftovers, expired food) before disposing on bin day
• Monitor weather conditions before starting work that will create an odour, for example applying fertilisers
• Apply fertilisers on a dry day to avoid runoff to stormwater drains, which is harmful to our creeks and rivers
• Careful spraying of water onto fertiliser may help it absorb into the topsoil faster

• Keep vegetation: Leave plants or grass on site to act as dust barriers.
• Plan your work: Do the job in stages so some vegetation stays in place longer.
• Use on–site materials: Use unused sheeting, roofing or mulched green waste as temporary barriers.
• Install barriers: Fences or shade cloth can help stop dust. Make sure they are the right height and placed considering wind direction.
• Use water: Lightly spray exposed soil to keep it damp, especially before windy periods.
• Hydromulch for large areas: This protects topsoil and can include grass seeds to help regrowth.

• Turn off lights when not needed
• Consider using sensor lights for security
• Position lights away from neighbours and bedroom windows
• Avoid placing lights near reflective surfaces
• Aim lights downward where possible
• If using up–lighting, install shields or baffles to reduce spill
• Avoid over–lighting – it's wasteful and contributes to light pollution
• Keep glare low by angling beams below 70 degrees from horizontal

Our waterways can be polluted from stormwater, roof and mobile cleaning services, as well as other business activities that create wastewater.

You can help protect waterways by:

• Putting litter and cigarette butts in the bin
• Picking up pet waste
• Disposing of garden waste properly or taking it to a Waste and Recycling Centre
• Sweeping driveways instead of hosing
• Washing cars on the lawn (not footpaths or driveways)
• Using fertilisers sparingly and choosing eco–friendly products
• Recycling oil and solvents
• Never releasing fish or aquatic plants into waterways

Roof cleaning

Water from roof and gutter downpipes flow straight into stormwater drains.

To avoid pollution when cleaning a roof:

• Disconnect or block downpipes and redirect wastewater to your garden or a holding tank – collected water must be disposed of by a licensed liquid waste contractor
• If you can’t disconnect downpipes, block them temporarily and divert water onto your garden
• Block downpipes and drill a hole in the gutter to redirect water to your garden – when finished, plug the hole with a grommet
• Use sandbags or portable bunds around drains to stop wastewater entering drains
• Dispose of captured water onto your garden or have it removed by a licensed liquid waste contractor
• Keep a spill kit handy and never hose waste into drains

Mobile cleaning and trade businesses

To prevent pollution:

• Wastewater containing only soil/organic matter can go on grass where it won’t reach drains
• Wastewater with chemicals or oils must be collected by a licensed waste contractor
• Permanent sites may need a Council trade waste permit
• Use bunds or sandbags to stop wastewater entering drains
• Sweep waste instead of hosing it away
• Avoid chemicals near drains and waterways
• Work on grass or gravel areas when possible
• Store chemicals safely and dispose of waste through licensed facilities
• Clean up spills using dry materials
• Use as little water as possible
• Make sure all staff understand their environmental responsibilities