Illegal dumping not been a big problem during Toronto strike

One person's trash is another person's treasure is not always the case. But King Township has not been seriously bothered in the last couple of weeks with illegal dumping.

Rob Flindall, director of engineering and public works for the Township, said that while the problem has not been escalating, there has been some illegal dumping.

"There was an issue on the 16th Sideroad where two bags of garbage had been dumped at the side of the road," Flindall said. "We cleaned up the garbage and there haven't been anymore problems."

Flindall said he did not know the root of the problem and he didn't want to speculate where it's from.

Mayor Margaret Black explained illegal dumping increases when garbage collectors nearby go on strike, as has been the case in Toronto.

"The maximum fine under the current bylaw for illegally dumping is $5,000, and both our bylaw and works department are vigilant," Black commented. "The Township of King staff act on all complaints and proceed legally when there is enough evidence to support a charge of illegal dumping."

Black said staff very often are notified of a dumping after the fact and most often witnesses are not willing to provide the necessary evidence for the investigation. The result is the Township removes the garbage and is responsible for the cost of disposing of the mess.

"Currently there is a reward system in King, whereby if a witness reports evidence of illegal dumping activity and their evidence leads to a successful prosecution, they may be eligible of receiving a reward of up to 25 per cent of the fine imposed."

Black added bylaw officers have been successful in prosecutions against illegal dumpers and have obtained fines of $1,000, and in some case had the responsible party clean the garbage.