Anand Sharma discovers a television squeezed among overflowing recycling and trash containers at a condominium in the southwest area of Edmonton. The manager of 113 West condo mentions that despite the unknown origin of the TV, a building staff member will transport it to the eco station to avoid the risk of missing municipal waste collection for the week.
In various condo and apartment dumpsters throughout Edmonton, one can come across mattresses, sofas, a washing machine, and even an exercise bike. This issue has caught the attention of the city authorities, who are contemplating several new measures to address it. These measures include increasing the number of free eco station days, launching a public awareness campaign on illegal dumping, providing education for condo or apartment managers, imposing higher fines, and implementing a large item pick-up program.
According to a committee report, 73% of property managers surveyed stated that they resort to hiring private waste disposal services to handle illegal dumping incidents. Sharma, the condo manager, mentions that condo corporations are now spending more than before to maintain cleanliness and curb illegal dumping, which poses administrative challenges.
The problem of illegal dumping is exacerbated by waste volume restrictions and the introduction of organic waste green bins. Coun. Keren Tang emphasized the need to address illegal dumping through proper tools rather than attributing it solely to waste sorting initiatives.
Tang suggested a shift towards a more resident-friendly approach in dealing with large waste items, highlighting the potential benefits of implementing a large item collection day similar to practices in other cities. She expressed optimism about exploring such options, indicating that some programs may be funded through increased utility rates while others would require inclusion in the fall budget considerations.
In a survey, property managers noted that while illegal dumping incidents sometimes coincide with tenant relocations, the majority of issues stem from non-tenants. The fines for dumping ordinary items on private property range from $250 to $1,000 for large items or construction waste. However, enforcing laws against illegal dumping is challenging, as property managers are required to provide witness statements and testify in court.
Despite the issuance of 240 tickets for illegal dumping at apartment and condo buildings over a five-year period, 60% of property managers expressed dissatisfaction with the enforcement process, citing its cumbersome nature, slow response times, and instances where evidence of dumping is overlooked.