Media story

Illegal dumping: Your trash isn’t always someone else’s treasure

Illegal dumping is a growing problem in Mississauga. It costs the City thousands of tax dollars to clean up each year.

Environment | June 11, 2026

What do tires, paint cans, furniture, construction waste, yard waste and household garbage have in common? These are some of the most common used and unwanted items dumped across the city.

Illegal dumping happens when people leave unwanted items in public places instead of getting rid of it properly. This includes items discarded at parks, trails and green spaces. Dumping waste without permission is against the law.

It harms the environment, costs taxpayer money to clean up and can be dangerous for people and wildlife.

Examples of illegal dumping

You might see items like:

Old furniture
Household garbage
Broken fixtures from kitchens or bathrooms
Wood pieces
Car parts like tires and mufflers

These items are often left in parks, along roads, or on sidewalks. Construction waste like concrete, drywall, paint cans and tiles is also often dumped on City property. Some people also pour liquids like motor oil, cooking oil, cleaning products and medicines into storm drains. This pollutes the stormwater system and Lake Ontario.

Why illegal dumping happens

Most people dump garbage illegally because it is easy. It can feel quicker than waiting for garbage pickup or going to a designated recycling centre. Some people think the City will clean it up. They do not realize how much time and money that takes. Others try to hide their garbage behind trees or in bushes, so they won’t get caught. Some others may not know how to dispose of waste the right way.

When one person dumps waste, others may add more. This causes the problem to grow even faster.

Illegally dumping by the numbers

Illegal dumping happens in parks and green spaces throughout Mississauga. In 2025, the City received over 580 reports of illegal dumping. This year, there have already been more than 195 complaints.

Some areas in Mississauga get more complaints than others and this could vary year by year. Some of these areas include Glen Erin Trail, Lake Aquitaine Park, Malton Greenway, Tillsdown Park and Tom Charter Memorial Park.

City staff have also spent about 3,500 hours cleaning up illegal dumping over the past three years. Common items illegally dumped include:

Household garbage
Furniture
Tires
Construction materials
Clothing and barbeques

People caught dumping illegally can be fined between $500 and $100,000.

How you can help

Illegal dumping happens because some people make poor choices. But everyone can help keep the city clean and safe. These are important natural spaces that need to be protected. Consider helping out by volunteering for a one-time clean-up event at a Mississauga park and reporting any illegal dumping by calling 311 (905-615-4311 outside city limits).

Opportunities to reuse and recycle

Before throwing something away, think about reusing it.

You can:

Sell it
Donate it
Give it to friends or family
Offer it for free on a local neighbourhood group

This helps reduce waste going to landfills.

Dispose of waste the right way

Here are some simple ways to help:

Park garbage bins are for small, day-use litter only. Household items, furniture, renovation materials and other large waste must be disposed of through the proper waste system.
Check Peel Region’s website if you’re unsure how to get rid of waste items.
Check Circular Materials website about what you can recycle.
Report garbage in parks online or by calling 311 (905-615-4311 outside city limits).
If you see someone dumping waste, report it with details of time and place.

Know your options

There are many options for getting rid of items you don’t need:

Use Peel Region’s Online Waste Sorter to find out where to drop off items.
Take large or special items to a Community Recycling Centre.
Ask your retailer how to dispose of tires.
Contact Peel Region to arrange for pickup when moving or cleaning out your home.
For quantities exceeding four garbage bags or containers on garbage collection day, purchase bag tags from Peel Region online or by phone.
During Garbage Exemption Days, set out additional garbage (without bag tags) on your scheduled pickup day. Check your address on Peel’s collection calendar to confirm upcoming Garbage Exemption Days.

It pays to dispose of your garbage the right way.

When you act responsibly, you help keep Mississauga clean and protect nature for everyone.