In 2024, service requests related to garbage (25 percent) and garbage receptacles (8 percent) accounted for approximately 33 percent of all service requests received. Notably, 43 percent of penalty notices issued for these requests were for repeat violations. Various efforts like the Residential Rental Licensing (RRL) program and enhancements to bylaw enforcement operations are holding property owners accountable. Today, Committee of Council approved recommendations to increase fines for repeat offenders of excessive and improperly stored garbage on private property. Similarly, increased and graduated fines have already been implemented for other violations related to property standards, like overgrown grass, and illegal parking.
“Together with many residents, I’ve had enough of property owners and landlords who don’t care about their overflowing garbage and improperly stored trash bins which has caused unpleasant smells, views, rodents, making it unfair for neighbours who respectfully take care of their properties,” Santos says. “We are using a variety of measures to address the worst offences reported and cracking down on slum landlords and property owners who clearly lack courtesy and respect for their neighbourhood. If you do not properly store your garbage or follow basic standards, you will now feel it in your pocketbook.”
Garbage Storage Standards
The standards require that garbage receptacles:
- Be stored in a clean, sanitary, and operable condition;
- Be stored with the cover lid closed and secured;
- Not be packed in a manner where the waste exceeds the height of the receptacle or prevents the cover lid from closing securely; and
- Not be located in a yard facing a street (some exemptions apply).
Approved recommendations have fines set at $250 for a first offence, $500 for a second offence, and $750 for any subsequent offences. Operational policies have also been approved to streamline and improve the enforcement of garbage violations as part of the Refuse and Dumping Bylaw. If the residents observe the overflow of garbage in the area, please continue to report issues online at: 311 service request page.
These improved enforcement efforts to clean up our neighbourhoods run parallel to our Earth Month Campaign, “Imagine Your Impact: Small actions. Big difference. Don’t Litter,” which encourages residents to do their part to keep Brampton’s parks and green spaces clean.
“This comes down to basic respect for the cleanliness and wellbeing of our community,” adds Santos. “Not only do we need to keep our public spaces clean, but residents must do their part to respect their neighbourhood and keep their properties clean. Your private property is not a dumping ground.”
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Media Contact: rowena.santos@brampton.ca
