The Regional Municipality of Durham said communities across the region have seen an increase in illegal dumping or littering.
It reminded residents that if caught illegally dumping, residents can face fines, if convicted, of up to $10,000.
Leaving materials in parks, along the roadside, or on other’s property without their permission is detrimental to the health and safety of the community, and actions like this burden the resources needed to manage the Covid-19 response, said a municipal media release.
Anyone with information on illegal dumping should report it to the Region of Durham by completing the online Illegal Dumping form, or by contacting the local municipality. Local municipal by-laws and provincial environmental protection laws apply to anyone who dumps garbage illegally, it pointed out.
The region, in partnership with local municipalities responsible for waste collection services (City of Oshawa and the Town of Whitby), has implemented several changes to help residents properly dispose of their waste in response to Covid-19. This includes increasing the limit of garbage bags residents can put out at the curbside from four bags to six bags. “It is still important that we don’t add to the workload of staff unnecessarily so that we can continue to provide efficient and effective services,” said the statement.
It pointed out that residents can also make use of the Regional Waste Management Facilities (WMFs) to dispose of materials that cannot be collected at the curb, such as hazardous household materials and renovation and construction material. The WMFs in Oshawa and Scugog will also be implementing summer hours starting on Tuesday, May 5. The facilities will be open for extended hours from 8 am to 6 pm on Tuesdays only. Residents can find details about locations, hours, and changes at durham.ca/WMF.
Garbage in charity bins?
Residents should also be aware that charity donation bins are currently not being serviced. Despite this, there’s been an increase of donations, garbage and other unwanted items being dumped at these locations. Residents who are decluttering during Covid-19 are urged to not to drop off items at donation bins, and instead hold onto unwanted items until the donation bins and collection services are open again.
“We urge our residents to report illegal dumping and to ensure they’re taking advantage of our curbside collection or waste management facilities for their waste items rather than illegally dumping. Illegal dumping puts a strain on valuable resources which are needed now more than ever during the Covid-19 response. We want to remind people to be responsible, because if caught illegally dumping we will hold you accountable,” said Peter Veiga, Manager of Waste Operations, Region of Durham.
For more information on illegal dumping, visit durham.ca/IllegalDumping. More information about waste is available by visiting durham.ca/waste, emailing waste@durham.ca, calling 1-800-667-5671 or downloading the Durham Region Waste App.