Niagara Region tackling illegal dumping

The Niagara Region, considered to be one of the most lush and scenic regions this side of cottage country, has an issue it considers to be an eyesore – illegal dumping.

The region defines illegal dumping as “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 hastens to note it’s a crime.

Niagara Region is working with all 12 municipalities to address the public issue of illegal dumping.

And they’re giving the public some incentive to help curb the issue. The Region will pay $50 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).

They’re also offering $200 to any person whose report of illegal dumping leads to a conviction.

Any resident found guilty of illegally dumping could be fined $750 or more under the Waste Management By-law.

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

If residents see someone dumping, the region urges you to call them at 905-356-4141.