Alberta proposes tougher dumping penalties

Alberta’s government plans to introduce legislation this fall aimed at cracking down on illegal dumping and increasing oversight of higher-risk waste transfer and storage facilities.

The proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act would significantly increase penalties for illegal dumping. Individuals could face fines ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, while corporations could be fined between $100,000 and $1 million.

Courts would also have the authority to impose jail sentences of between 30 days and six months for individuals convicted of illegal dumping. The province says the tougher penalties are intended to discourage dumping and ensure offenders bear the costs of their actions.

“Illegal dumping damages our environment, violates private property and leaves Albertans paying for someone else’s mess,” Premier Danielle Smith said.

The government also plans to introduce stronger oversight for higher-risk waste transfer and storage facilities. About 150 of Alberta’s 684 waste sites are expected to require provincial registration and meet additional operating requirements, while lower-risk facilities would continue under the existing notification system.

The proposed changes still require approval by the Alberta legislature. The province is also encouraging Albertans to report illegal dumping or suspicious waste through its 24-hour environmental response line at 1-800-222-6514 and to their local municipality.