That’s illegal dumping?

Construction materials at the side of the road. Bags of waste tossed in a ditch. While we’re all familiar with traditional forms of illegal dumping, sometimes people get creative when it comes to getting rid of waste unlawfully. You might be surprised to find out there are other forms of illegal dumping you may have unwittingly participated in. 

The Green Illegal Dumper: Yard trimmings in a natural area

Even if it seems natural, dumping yard trimmings in public green spaces can spread invasive species, provide rodents with nesting grounds, and even cause ravine slopes to fail under the extra weight.

Using your Green Cart for your yard waste and other organics ensures materials are processed responsibly through composting. The Township’s curbside organics program collects unlimited volumes of green waste via extra bags or cans, so there’s no reason not to set it out for pick up. If you don’t receive Township collection, consider backyard composting or self-hauling materials to the transfer station for composting.

The Reuse Illegal Dumper: “Free” sign

Giving away items helps them find a second life and helps your neighbours discover a deal, too. But did you know abandoning items at the curb with a “free” sign is illegal dumping?

Instead, consider posting items in the “free” section on online classifieds and arranging for pick up with the bargain-hunter directly. If nobody is interested in your couch from the ‘70s or your old exercise bike, and you receive municipal garbage collection, call Sierra Waste at 604-530-3939 and arrange a Large Item Pick Up. For those without municipal service, take these items to the transfer station or call a junk disposal company for removal.

The Semi-Responsible Illegal Dumper: Public Garbage Cans

While it may seem that any garbage can is a suitable place for your waste, public bins are only meant for the waste you generate while out and about. When bins intended for litter are used for bags of household waste, they fill up faster than anticipated and result in overflow. This often creates the litter problem they were put in place to solve. Instead of dumping household garbage in a public bin, take responsibility for your waste and request an additional garbage cart or purchase Extra Garbage stickers. If you don’t receive Township collection, consider hiring a private waste collection company or self-haul your waste to the transfer station.

The Unauthorized Illegal Dumper: Using the Neighbour’s Bin or the Dumpster at Work

Disposing of garbage isn’t free. From fuel for the trucks that pick it up, to tipping fees at the transfer stations, to transporting the waste to the final landfill site, there’s a lot that goes into disposing of your waste. While it may seem harmless to toss an extra bag in your neighbour’s bin or the dumpster at work, you could end up costing your neighbour or employer surcharges for overflowing or banned materials. While some neighbours or workplaces may lend a helping hand, it’s important to receive their permission first.

Engineering Division
604-532-7300
opsinfo@tol.ca