We know what you are thinking. Is it Worth The Fine?
Littering and illegal dumping affect all of us. They are harmful, unsanitary, and damaging to our environment. Beyond the visible impact, littering results in costly cleanups that are ultimately paid for by taxpayers.
In 2025 alone, the City of Markham received more than 1,741 community reports of littering and illegal dumping. This includes household waste illegally disposed of in City parks and along trails.
Think littering or illegal dumping is no big deal? Think again. In Markham, tossing waste where it does not belong can cost you hundreds or even tens of thousands of dollars.
Fines and Penalties
Littering and illegal dumping come with serious consequences. First-offence fines range from $300 to $375, while general illegal dumping can result in fines of up to $2,000. More serious dumping offences may lead to penalties as high as $50,000, and littering from a vehicle can cost offenders up to $750.
Wall of Shame
Let’s Work Together!
By working together, we can combat littering and help keep Markham clean and beautiful. The resources below provide helpful information on how to report littering, understand what goes where, learn about the impacts of litter on your neighbourhood, and discover simple ways to help combat littering at home.
- Report Littering
When the community works together, real change happens. If you witness illegal dumping, report it to help keep our city clean.
- What Goes Where?
Not sure where a coffee cup goes? Wondering how to dispose of takeout containers? Use the What Goes Where Tool to find out how to properly sort your waste.
- Impacts of Litter on your Neighbourhood
Each year, nearly 10,000 tonnes of plastic end up in Ontario’s lakes and rivers. Litter left on streets and in parks can wash into waterways, where it breaks down into microplastics that threaten wildlife and ecosystems.
It is not just microplastics that cause harm. Larger items of litter are often mistaken by wildlife for nesting materials or food. Learn more about how waste affects local wildlife through a case study done by Melina Damian on the Ontario Nature website.- Help Combat Littering at Home
Simple actions at home can make a big difference. Properly sorting waste and reducing what you throw away helps limit litter and protect the environment. Learn more by visiting the Provincial website.