There are alternatives to dumping

Abandoned garbage increases health and environmental risks, encourages more illegal dumping, and sends a message that illegal activity is okay in your neighbourhood. When you dispose of items properly, and when you report illegal dumping, you help improve the quality of life in your neighbourhood.

If you have an item that is not collected by the City's collection crews such as a mattress, large appliance, or furniture, you can:

Donate the item to charity
Bring the item to the Landfill
Recycle the item

Find disposal options

What is abandoned garbage?

The City considers the following items abandoned garbage:

Garbage, sweepings, paper, litter or materials, including furniture and appliances
Pamphlets and advertising distributed on the street, that are likely to be discarded
Inadequately secured loads that spill from a vehicle

How you can help

You can report illegal dumping to the City by calling 3-1-1 or by emailing stop.dumping@vancouver.ca.

City staff will ask you for a description of the item(s), the address or closest intersection where it was dumped, and your contact information.

How to prevent illegal dumping on your street or in your lane

If you manage or own a building, and there is repeated illegal dumping on your street or in your lane, the City of Vancouver suggests a combination of:

Building a private garbage enclosure
Posting security cameras
Consistently locking dumpsters, and other waste containers

You can also request No Dumping signs for your property by calling 3-1-1.

Ask. Tell. Connect.

Phone 3-1-1 to ask, tell, and connect with the City

Outside Vancouver:
604-873-7000

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More ways to contact us

Did you know?

Street & Traffic Bylaw

Abandoning or dumping garbage in the street or alley is illegal under "Depositing Rubbish or Refuse" (section 84) of the City of Vancouver's Street and Traffic Bylaw.