Bensons Creek, particularly the stretch from behind the Warilla McDonald’s, past Raymond St to Elliott Lake, has become the resting place for all sorts of refuse.

Shaun Langlands, who lives nearby, said residents need an answer.

“The whole lot along there is all tyres, and cars, and lounges ... you name it,” he said.

“It flows to Warilla Beach and people swim in it – if only they knew what was in it.

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“There used to be a grate there … but water would just flow over and past it in heavy rain, then spews into the creek, and the mangroves.”

He said Shellharbour City Council only cleaned the area that was council land.

Some residents are considering organising a clean-up and have asked for the council to help with disposing of the gathered rubbish.

The city council suggested the Bushcare process.

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“Council is aware of the issue and has replaced one trash rack with three gross pollutant traps upstream,” a spokeswoman said.

“While this has helped reduce litter coming through the stormwater system, unfortunately the rubbish from surrounding street drainage and illegal dumping still gets through ...

“Council could work with community volunteers to pick up rubbish collected utilising the Bushcare process. Working through this process means volunteers are provided with appropriate personal protective equipment and council picks up the rubbish.”