Cracking down on illegal dumping

This fall, Alberta's government plans to introduce legislation to strengthen penalties for illegal dumping and increase oversight of large waste facilities. The proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act would significantly increase fines, with individual offenders facing penalties of $10,000 to $100,000 and corporations facing fines of $100,000 to $1 million. Courts would also have the authority to impose jail sentences of a minimum of 30 days to a maximum of six months.

Illegal dumping continues to create serious problems across Alberta, with garbage and construction debris left along roadsides, on farmland, private property and public lands. When waste is dumped illegally, communities, landowners and taxpayers are often left to deal with the clean-up costs and environmental damage. Strengthening penalties will hold offenders accountable, protect private property and public lands, and deter illegal dumping.

"Albertans work hard to keep their communities, farms and public lands clean. Illegal dumping damages our environment, violates private property and leaves Albertans paying for someone else's mess. Waste must be disposed of responsibly. We're cracking down so those who choose to break the law face tougher penalties and serious consequences."

"With stronger oversight of higher-risk waste and storage facilities and tougher penalties for illegal dumping, Alberta is protecting our environment, strengthening communities and standing up for private property owners."

In addition to increasing penalties for illegal dumping, Alberta's government will strengthen oversight of higher-risk waste transfer and storage facilities. Lower-risk facilities could continue under the existing streamlined notification process, while higher-risk facilities handling larger volumes or storing waste for longer periods would be required to obtain provincial registration and meet additional operating requirements. This would focus stronger oversight where it is needed most without adding unnecessary requirements for lower-risk facilities.

"Illegal dumping is not a victimless act. These proposed changes will make Alberta's penalties the most severe in the country and send a clear message that those who break the law should bear the costs of their actions."

"These proposed changes would strengthen enforcement, increase penalties and help ensure those who dump waste illegally face meaningful consequences for their actions. By giving officers stronger tools to investigate and enforce the law, we are sending a clear message that illegal dumping will not be tolerated in Alberta."

"Alberta communities invest in waste and recycling facilities so residents have responsible options to dispose of unwanted materials. These tougher penalties are about respect: respect for property, respect for the taxpayers who shouldn't foot the bill, and respect for the neighbours who work hard to keep our communities clean."

Alberta's government will continue working with municipalities, agricultural organizations, industry and enforcement partners to strengthen compliance, improve public reporting and raise awareness about the impacts of illegal dumping.

Quick facts

• If you see illegal dumping or discover suspicious waste, report it immediately through Alberta's 24-hour environmental response line (1-800-222-6514) and your local municipality.
• Early reporting helps authorities investigate incidents, identify responsible parties and reduce environmental impacts.
• In 2025, the City of Calgary received about 30,000 complaints and almost 9,000 service requests related to illegal dumping on municipal property. From that, the city issued 165 tickets and three fines.
• Pending approval by the legislature, amendments to the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act would:
  • Increase fines for individuals from a maximum of $50,000 to a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $100,000.
  • Introduce jail terms for individuals, with a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of six months.
  • Increase fines for corporations from a maximum of $500,000 to a minimum of $100,000 and a maximum of $1 million.
• It is expected that the new registration requirements would apply to about 150 of the 684 waste transfer and storage sites in Alberta.
  • The notification requirement would stay in place for low-risk waste transfer and storage facilities that operate with short retention periods, limited site inventory and specific waste types.

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