It is now even easier to report illegal dumping thanks to a new online reporting tool at ottawa.ca/311. You can also continue to report illegal dumping by calling 3-1-1.
There are no winners when it comes to illegal dumping. For some, it may seem like a quick and easy way to dispose of excess garbage but illegal dumping costs everyone. Local businesses, charities, farmers and your tax dollars must pay to clean it up. These costs end up being passed onto the consumer or divert funds that could have been better spent in the community. Illegal dumping is ugly, ruins our parks and greenspaces and can harm wildlife and pets.
Some examples of illegal dumping include:
- Bringing household garbage to parks and greenspaces
- Leaving garbage or unwanted items in or around a dumpster or a clothing donation box
- Adding your garbage to someone else’s curbside collection or shared waste collection area, otherwise known as common pad
- Dumping garbage on roads, ditches, culverts or private property
Anyone who dumps waste illegally can face fines.
Where to properly dispose of waste
Starting September 30, households with curbside waste collection can set out up to three garbage items on their garbage collection day. There is no limit to the amount of recycling, green bin or leaf and yard waste. If you need a new blue, green or black bin you can request one to be delivered to your home.
Residents who need to go above the three-item garbage limit can purchase City of Ottawa residential yellow bags. There is no limit to the number of yellow bags that can be set out on collection day. Bags will be available for sale in October. Find out more about where to purchase bags at ottawa.ca/garbage.
Have an item you want to get rid of, but are unsure where it can be safely disposed? Check out the Waste Explorer. It can tell you which bin an item goes in or if you can return the item to a retailer through the Take It Back! program.
The City also hosts several events throughout the year where you can dispose of specialty waste, such as electronics or hazardous waste. You can also get items assessed and repaired where possible by volunteers from Ottawa Tool Library at City sponsored Repair Café events.
How to report illegal dumping
If you spot illegal dumping, report it online at ottawa.ca/311 or by calling 3-1-1.
