Alberta proposes $100,000 fines for illegal dumping as complaints surge in Edmonton, Calgary

Alberta will introduce legislation later this year that would impose fines up to $100,000 on individuals and $1 million on corporations for illegal dumping, with courts able to impose jail terms up to six months in extreme cases. The move doubles current maximum penalties.

Premier Danielle Smith announced the crackdown Wednesday, citing a growing trend of people leaving trash on roadways, farms, private property and public lands. "Cleaning up after illegal dumping activity can cost a municipality hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, ultimately passing the cost on to residents and taxpayers," Smith said.

Edmonton has recorded more than 600 complaints over five years about dumping on private property, with bylaw officers issuing 240 tickets. Calgary reported 30,000 complaints related to illegal dumping on municipal property last year, though only 165 tickets and 3 fines were issued.

The government is also pledging to strengthen oversight of waste transfer and storage facilities. Waste operators will have to register with the province and meet additional requirements under the plan. Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis has made illegal dumping a priority for peace officers.

The Alberta legislature reconvenes October 27. A timeline for when the proposed legislation will be introduced or voted on beyond "later this year" has not been specified.