Illegal Dumping
Learn about disposal options and consequences of illegal dumping and how to report it.
Illegal dumping is a problem in Surrey as in many Canadian cities. It poses risks to the environment and public health and safety, and effects community pride. It also costs taxpayers dollars to clean up—dollars which could be better spent on amenities and services.
Disposal options
If you have items to dispose of, use these services instead of dumping them illegally:
- Large Item Pickup: the City will pick up items for free from your curb. Booking required.
- Metro Vancouver Recycling and Waste Centres: residents can drop off waste at Central Surrey and North Surrey Recycling and Waste Centres for low cost.
From May 1 to September 25, 2024, Surrey residents have free waste drop-off at Central Surrey and North Surrey Recycling and Waste Centres. Each household gets one trip up to 100kg and four mattresses.
Consequences of illegal dumping
The City has increased enforcement with greater patrols and surveillance cameras at illegal dumping hotspots. Residents caught illegally dumping can face fines of up to $10,000.
Reporting illegal dumping
When you report illegally dumped garbage, our City representatives will investigate the complaint. If the garbage is on City property, City staff clean up the area.
Call 604-591-4152 to report illegal dumping on City property, or report online.
If the garbage is on private property or a vacant lot, we will enforce City bylaws against illegal dumping or accumulated garbage.
Unsightly properties
Properties in the City of Surrey have to be maintained at an acceptable level. Examples of items considered unsightly under the Surrey Property Maintenance and Unsightly Premises Bylaw include:
- Accumulation of junk,
- Discarded materials and garbage,
- Dead landscaping,
- Uncontrolled growth of landscaping, and
- Deterioration of fences, buildings or other structures.
Make an online complaint about an unsightly property or contact us at 604-591-4370.
City beautification programs
The City offers many programs to involve residents in keeping Surrey neighbourhoods beautiful and to build community pride. Learn more about the City beautification programs.