It’s a sure sign of spring when broken and discarded items litter the trails and roadside.
And this area is no exception.
Rather than donating unwanted items to a thrift store or opening their wallet to efficiently and effectively dispose of damaged and broken goods at the county landfill (transfer station) off Golf Link Road, some instead dump their garbage on trail-sides under cover of darkness.
But besides its environmental impact, Midland operations manager Dylan Flannery said the cost of the offence gradually filters down to the taxpayer.
“However, the town does, of course, at times see illegal dumping occurring on town property and within park and trail systems,” Flannery said.
“Operations staff are then responsible for removal and this is sadly far too common and becomes glaring once the snow melts as it takes time to get around to all of the locations identified by staff and residents combined.”
Flannery said this then becomes a shared cost for Midland taxpayers.
“That being said, the town would encourage the public to assist in holding violators to account by reporting any illegal dumping they observe to the town at (705) 526-4275.”
The town’s bylaw department can then issue fines ranging from $500 to $5,000, depending on severity.
But from an overall perspective, Flannery said the County of Simcoe looks after waste management and education, especially with regards to roadside dumping.
“The town receives financial assistance with regards to dumping fees for illegally dumped items from the county for roadside dumping,” he noted.
As well, Flannery said if the violation is the responsibility of a homeowner, bylaw officers will mark the items and notify the resident of their requirement to remove and provide a deadline to do so.
“If it is not removed in the timeline provided, the town removes the items and charges the property owner accordingly,” he added.
The illegal dumping story is much the same in neighbouring Tiny Township, which sent a reminder to residents on proper waste disposal services.
“The township has noticed an increase in the amount of garbage being abandoned on roadsides and in township garbage containers, and littered across public grounds,” the township noted in a release.
“The county provides garbage, green bin and recycling pick-up at all residential locations. In addition, there are four landfill sites within the county that are still open for disposing of larger items or excessive garbage that may be generated from your home.
“We are asking that all residents respect our environment and use the county’s systems of waste disposal that are available. Residents are encouraged to use the recycling and green bin services to minimize any garbage waste.”
The township also noted that garbage left behind at roadsides or other locations places a strain on staff and financial resources, creates issues for wildlife and makes a very unpleasant environment for all.
Those noticing littering or garbage “abandonment,” are asked to contact the township’s public works department at (705) 526-4204 ext. 202 or [email protected]. Offenders can be fined up to $5,000.
“Please be respectful and do not litter; use the systems that are in place to handle waste streams,” the township noted. “Please help us keep Tiny litter free.”
