Illegal dumping a growing and ‘significant issue’ in Fort Erie

A heaping pile of garbage.

That’s what Fort Erie resident Mike Frawley noticed on a Sunset Drive property on his way home from work the evening of July 14.

“This mess is household insulation, tub, mirrors, sink, countertop, flooring, paint cans. Obviously a house reno,” he said in an email to Metroland alongside photos he sent.

This is just one of 675 illegal dumping reports Niagara Region has received for all municipalities from January until the end of June–on pace to beat last year’s number of incidents.

Mariano Singzon, associate director of waste collection and diversion operations, said there were 1,297 Region investigations into reports of illegal dumping in 2025–a 26 per cent increase from 1,027 reports in 2024.

He attributed the increase to more proactive and targeted enforcement, campaigns encouraging the public to report cases, and improved collaboration with local municipalities and departmental partners.

“While the increase in investigations reflects greater reporting and enforcement activity, illegal dumping continues to be a significant issue affecting roadsides, parks, natural areas and other public spaces across Niagara,” Singzon said.

The Region and the lower-tier municipalities share responsibilities for illegal dumping. Fort Erie’s bylaw department said through its communications team the Region is responsible for waste management bylaws, and local municipality bylaw officers have the authority to enforce that bylaw.

The ‘Illegal Dumping in Niagara’ page on the Region’s website notes there’s a maximum $10,000 fine for serious offences. Fort Erie’s bylaw stipulates a $700 fine for “deposit refuse onto non-designated property.”

For instances like Frawley’s, wherein a pile of trash is dumped without it being immediately obvious who did it, there are ways bylaw officers can try to discover the culprit’s identity.

By looking through the contents of the trash, officers can search for items that might identify the person responsible. Mail, paperwork and other documents with names and addresses can be used as a starting place to build a case.

“Historically, officers have been very successful in prosecuting persons who have illegally dumped material within the Town of Fort Erie, but some incidents remain unsolved,” said Fort Erie’s bylaw department through emailed responses to questions from Niagara This Week.

Cleaning up illegal dumping is on a municipality’s dime, impacting its budget. The financial expense isn’t the only impact, however.

“There is significant environmental damage from pests and hazardous waste,” the department said. “Other factors include fire hazards or a decrease in property values.”

There are a number of ways for residents to report illegal dumping incidents, such as through the Region’s website and reporting line at (905) 356-4141 or (800) 594-5542. Other options include the Niagara Region Waste app, contacting Crime Stoppers or calling a municipality’s bylaw office.

For Fort Erie, the number is (905) 871-1600, extension 5215.

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