Illegal Dumping in Niagara
Illegal dumping is the disposing of material in non-designated, publicly-owned areas, such as public roads, ditches, public property, rural areas, vacant lots and in public litter receptacles. It is a crime.
Niagara Region is working with all 12 municipalities to address the public issue of illegal dumping.
Report illegal dumping
- Report using our online form
- Call 905-356-4141 (toll-free: 1-800-594-5542)
- Report anonymously at Crime Stoppers of Niagara
- Niagara Waste App - reporting tool:
Rewards for reporting
| Amount | Details / Conditions |
|---|---|
| $50 | Given to any person whose report of illegal dumping results in an act of compliance (such as the person who was reported illegally dumping, returned to the site and removed the dumped materials) |
| $200 | Given to any person whose report of illegal dumping leads to a conviction |
Charges and fines
Any resident found guilty of illegally dumping could be fined $750 or more under the Waste Management By-law.
What to look for
Items that are usually illegally dumped include:
- Household garbage
- Construction and demolition materials, such as shingles or scrap metal
- Appliances
- Furniture
- Tires
- Landscaping and yard waste
- Chemical and medical waste, such as paint or oil
- Dumping in public litter bins
Learn how to properly dispose of these items.
Number of reports submitted
| Year | Reports Submitted | Warnings Issued |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 748 | 80 |
| 2020 | 678 | 42 |
| 2019 | 677 | 74 |
| 2018 | 755 | 140 |
| 2017 | 680 | 47 |
| 2016 | 589 | 37 |
| 2015 | 530 | 39 |
| 2014 | 506 | 42 |
| 2013 | 394 | 35 |
| Total | 5557 | 536 |
© Niagara Region - 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 - Phone: 905-980-6000, Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
