This follows a recent incident in which NPWS rangers found a large pile of rubbish dumped on Tantawanglo Mountain in the South East Forests National Park.

Ranger Rachel Butterworth said the rubbish included a large number of children's toys including several teddy bears, women's and children's clothing, old books and beer bottles.

"Many of the items dumped would have been suitable for donation to a charity organisation however, after several weeks in the bush, everything was ruined," she said.

"The rubbish had been driven up a small dead-end track and dumped in the forest probably some time over the Easter break or shortly after.

"Dumping of rubbish is illegal, unsightly and potentially a hazard to other park users. It's also dangerous for native wildlife, degrades our parks and requires considerable time and effort to clean up."

Ms Butterworth said dumping waste is illegal and punishable by substantial penalties. Under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act, police and rangers are able to issue on-the-spot fines of $750 for individuals and $1500 for corporations.

She said the community could help by reporting any illegal dumping to the Environment Line on 131 555.