Illegal dumping involves leaving furniture, appliances, garbage, renovation materials or other waste on public or private property without permission. It is prohibited under City of Calgary bylaws, and offenders can face fines of up to $10,000.
For years, this issue has affected neighbourhoods across Calgary and has become more severe in recent years, particularly in northeast communities.
“Illegal dumping isn’t just unsightly. It creates real safety risks and pulls City crews away from other essential work,” said Damian Cole, Deputy Chief of Community Safety at The City of Calgary. “Every illegal dumping call means resources are redirected from services Calgarians rely on.”
Dumped waste attracts pests, creates fire hazards and makes parks, alleys and open spaces feel unsafe. It also places an unfair burden on neighbours and communities that must live with the impacts.
The City of Calgary urges residents to dispose of waste properly and legally, as proper disposal helps keep our neighbourhoods safe, clean and accessible.
Free Community Cleanup events begin
Community Cleanup events take place across Calgary from April 25 through September and are open to all Calgarians. These free events are organized by community organizations with support from The City and provide a no‑cost way to dispose of oversized household items that do not fit in the black cart.
Details and event dates are available at calgary.ca/cleanups.
Put waste in the right place
In addition to free Community Cleanup events, Calgarians can choose from several legal disposal options:
Cart/bin collection: best for everyday household garbage, recycling and compostables. Items must fit inside the right cart and be set out correctly. Large or extra items along fences or near carts or dumpsters are not collected.
City Eco Centres: best for bulky items, including furniture, appliances and construction materials. Fees may apply.
Private junk removal services: best for large loads, quick removal or when transport is an issue. Licensed junk removal companies can haul away unwanted items for a fee. These services are not provided by The City of Calgary.
To find the right option for any item, residents can use the City’s free online search tool at calgary.ca/whatgoeswhere, which shows approved disposal methods across Calgary.
How to report illegal dumping
If you see illegal dumping, report it as soon as possible by contacting 311 – via phone call, 311 app or online.
Providing details such as the exact location, photos and the license plate number of the vehicle involved helps support our investigation and a faster cleanup.
Community pride starts with action
Keeping our communities clean and safe is a shared responsibility. Whether it is disposing of waste responsibly, talking with neighbours, sharing information or reporting concerns, everyone has a role to play.
“Proper disposal shows respect for your neighbours, your community and the shared spaces we all rely on,” said Deputy Chief Cole. “Using the right disposal option helps keep neighbourhoods safe, clean and accessible for everyone.”
Your actions shape how our communities look and feel. For more information, visit calgary.ca/dumping.
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