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Illegal dumping in Calgary

Illegal dumping in Calgary

Illegal dumping is when waste is left on public or private property without permission. It often happens in parks, alleys, back lanes, open lots, and newly developing areas.

Waste often left behind includes, but is not limited to:

  • Furniture
  • BBQs
  • Mattresses
  • Yard waste such as leaves, grass and branches
  • Construction and renovation materials such as drywall, shingles, carpet and lumber

Illegal dumping costs everyone. It creates safety concerns and makes public spaces harder to enjoy. When waste is left where it doesn’t belong, City crews must respond, taking time and resources away from other important services.

Put waste in the right place

There are approved alternatives to illegal dumping to get rid of unwanted items across the city. Using the right disposal option helps make sure your waste is handled properly and collected as intended.

Not sure where an item goes? Use What goes where, a free online search tool to find the right disposal method.

 

Report a concern

We need you to report instances of illegal dumping. If you observe debris or dumped material, or witness illegal dumping please call 311 or report online or report using the 311 App.

Cart/Bin collection

Best for everyday household garbage, recycling and compostables. Items must fit inside the right cart and be set out correctly. Large or extra items along fences or beside carts or near dumpsters are not collected.

City Eco Centres

Best for bulky items, and large amounts of renovation and construction materials. City Eco Centres accept a wide range of items that don’t belong in household carts, including furniture, appliances, and renovation waste. Fees may apply. Eco Centre locations.

Private Junk Removal Services

Best for large loads, quick removal or when transport is an issue. Licensed junk removal companies can haul away unwanted items for a fee. These services are not provided by the City of Calgary.

Community Cleanups

Best for unwanted and oversized household items that do not fit in the black cart. Events are run by community organizations from April to September and are open to all Calgarians. Check city-wide schedule.

Did you know?

Large items left beside carts, along fences, or next to dumpsters are not collected by City Waste & Recycling Services or private waste collection companies.

All waste must be disposed of properly. Proper disposal helps keep neighbourhoods safe, clean and accessible. Using the right City service or approved disposal option ensures waste is handled safely and reliably. 

Report your illegal dumping concerns

If you have observed debris or dumped material that needs to be cleaned up:

  1. Take a picture of the debris or dumped material
  2. Record the address of where you have observed debris or dumped material
  3. Call 311 or report online or report using the 311 App

If calling 311 to report, specify immediately to the 311 Agent the location of the debris or dumped material. Be specific: was it in a backlane, on a sidewalk or boulevard, in a park, on private property, on other City property.

If reporting online or on the 311 App, select the most appropriate service request category from the selection menu based on the location of the debris or dumped material:

  • Debris in Backlane
  • Debris on Street/Sidewalk/Boulevard
  • In a Park – Litter Pick Up or Overflowing Park Bins
  • Garbage/Debris on Private Property (Bylaw)
  • Illegal dumping on City Property

If you witness someone dumping illegally:

  1. Write down as much information as you can including:
    • License plate number
    • Description of the vehicle
    • Description of the people
    • Description of the items being dumped
    • Time the incident happened
    • Location the incident happened
  2. Take a photo if you are able and it is safe to do so
  3. Call 311 or report online
  4. Provide your name, address, phone number and the details of your concern in case your testimony is required in court.

After you call 311, The City takes these steps to help with your issue:

  1. A Service Request is created specifying your concerns
  2. A Community Standards Peace Officer will review the Service Request and begin their investigation, usually within 7-10 business days
  3. The officer may contact you to complete a witness statement or obtain further information
  4. The officer may issue an order or warning notice to remedy the problem within a specified time frame
  5. A violation ticket may also be issued as a last resort, depending on the circumstances
  6. You may be contacted to appear as a witness if the matter goes to court

Protecting your privacy

The information you provide will be used to process your complaint, but your name and address will not be made available to anyone else. For more information on how The City protects your privacy visit Freedom of Information and Privacy.