The City is reminding members of the public that it is illegal, unhelpful and costly to leave waste items along Government Road and in other public spaces.
Recently there has been an increase in illegal dumping in Nelson, especially along Government Road. Waste items the City has found this spring include: food and waste containers, clothing, recyclable bottles, cartons and cans, fridges, vacuums, pallets and various household items. The City conducted a site clean-up along Government Road earlier this month.
While there are several people living in temporary shelters along Government Road, even the most well-intentioned illegal dumping of household waste is not helpful. Local service providers are supporting those in the area with food, mental-health services, water, tents, sleeping bags and the basic essentials. They are also offering laundry, showers and clothing regularly on set days of the week.
Illegal dumping – including free piles and unsolicited donations – attracts wildlife, becomes unsightly and leads to health and safety issues with mold, bugs, soiled items and rot.
The City’s cleanup efforts are costly, and these costs are on the rise. The City added $35,000 to the 2025 budget to deal with increased waste and cleanup of this type throughout Nelson.
The fine for illegal dumping is $250. There is an additional $150 fine for prohibited disposal of any garbage or wildlife attractants.
Instead of illegal dumping, the City asks members of the public to:
- Put waste out for curbside collection or take it to the Grohman Narrows Transfer Station at 1201 Insight Drive.
- Put recyclables out for curbside collection or take them to the Nelson Recycling Depot at 70 Lakeside Drive.
- Take clean items that are in good condition to organizations that accept donations.
To report instances of illegal dumping, please contact Nelson Bylaw Services at 250-505-5666 or bylawenforcement@nelson.ca