Cape Breton Regional Municipality

Illegal Dumping

CBRM's Illegal Dumping Program

The Solid Waste Department and the Cape Breton Regional Police Service joined forces in 2010 to tackle Illegal Dumping. A full-time officer is dedicated to this issue. Divert NS provides funding to support CBRM's illegal dumping efforts.

What is Illegal Dumping

Illegal dumping is the unauthorized dumping or disposal of waste material on any public or private property in the CBRM. It is a serious problem that exists across the municipality. The Solid Waste Department in partnership with the Cape Breton Regional Police Service work together to reduce, clean up, and prevent illegal dumping from happening.   

Reporting an Illegal Dumpsite

Illegal dumping is a crime in CBRM. Residents who witness this or locates an illegal dumpsite are encouraged to report it to CBRM’s Waste Management Hotline at (902)567-1337. You can also report illegal dumping by using the solid waste mobile app. The form is available in the Need Help Section of the App. 

The information that is helpful to the Illegal Dumping Officer includes:

• The date you located or noticed the dumpsite.
• Location of the dumpsite (community, landmarks near the site, distance from a landmark, what side of the road the site is located, etc)
• Material & debris noticed in the dumpsite.

These details are important for followup.

Illegal Dumpsite Cleanups

Removing the debris dumped in an unauthorized location is a priority.  When possible,  the constable has the person responsible for dumping the debris clean and remove it.  If this is not possible, other options are explored.

The debris is removed and disposed of once site has been searched for important evidence to link the person(s) responsible for dumping the debris at an unauthorized site.