Police have ruled missing Queensland woman Lesley Trotter dead after she was reported missing more than a week ago.

A large-scale search was sparked more than 130 police and State Emergency Services (SES) volunteers when the 78-year-old vanished on March 28.

Queensland Police Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham confirmed this morning police believe Trotter has died.

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However Massingham said police do not know where her body is and gave no details on the cause of her death.

"Unfortunately, investigations yesterday afternoon and late into the evening have led us to the conclusion that Mrs Trotter is, in fact, deceased," he said.

"We believe her death occurred close to her unit block on Maryvale Street, Toowong, and we currently have two crime scenes set up in that area."

It is believed Trotter died between midnight on Monday, March 27 and midday on Tuesday, March 28.

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More than 40 detectives are continuing their investigations around the 78-year-old's apartment complex and a neighbouring complex.

Massingham said Trotter often went through rubbish bins outside her property and neighbouring property to sort recycling from general waste.

"We have not ruled out that this activity, in some way, is linked to her death," he said.

Police said rubbish bins from the apartment complex have been seized as a part of the investigation.

Detectives are urging anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.

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