Incidents of roadside dumping continue to affect the safety and beauty of our rural communities.

Illegal dumping—leaving furniture, appliances, renovation materials, or household waste on public or private property—is more than just an eyesore. It is a serious violation of both municipal and provincial law that affects the County's safety, beauty, and financial health.

For years, this issue has challenged our communities, diverting essential resources away from the services our residents value most.

The Real Cost of Illegal Dumping

When waste is left in ditches, parks, or alleys, the consequences ripple through the community:

• Safety Hazards: Dumped materials attract pests, create fire risks, and can leak hazardous chemicals into our soil and water.
• Financial Burden: The cost of professional cleanup is significant. If an offender is identified, the County can add these cleanup costs directly to their property tax roll.
• Community Impact: It places an unfair burden on neighbours and makes our shared open spaces feel neglected and unsafe.

Penalties for Offenders

The County maintains a zero-tolerance policy for illegal disposal. Those caught dumping waste face escalating consequences:

Put Waste in the Right Place

Keeping our County clean is easy when you use the proper facilities. Residents and business owners have several legal, accessible options:

• Transfer Stations: The County operates eight convenient transfer stations. Please remember to bring photo identification and your valid transfer station card to gain access.
• Regional Landfill: For large-scale disposal and construction materials, use the Highway 43 East Waste Commission Regional Landfill located near the Hamlet of Gunn. This facility serves Lac Ste. Anne County, Mayerthorpe, Onoway, Alberta Beach, and our twelve summer villages.

How to Report Illegal Dumping

If you witness illegal dumping or discover a site, please report it immediately—either by visiting LSAC.ca/report or calling the County Administration Office at 780.785.3411 (including after hours). Whenever possible, include the exact location, photos of the debris, and the license plate number of any vehicles involved. This information is vital for enforcement and rapid cleanup.

Community Pride Starts with Action

Our actions shape how our communities look and feel. Whether it’s disposing of your own waste responsibly or reporting a concern, you play a vital role in keeping Lac Ste. Anne County a place we are all proud to call home.

For more information on regional waste management services, please visit LSAC.ca/waste.