Brampton residents who leave their garbage bins out too long will now face much steeper penalties after city council approved a significant hike in fines and streamlined enforcement rules. The new penalties target residents who fail to remove their waste bins by 8 p.m. on pickup day or store them on the boulevard throughout the week, a problem that has triggered over 1,500 complaints annually and led to unsightly streets and blocked sidewalks.
Under the updated bylaw, fines have jumped from $100 to $250 for a first offence, $500 for a second, and $750 for each subsequent violation. Council also moved these offences from the refuse and dumping bylaw to the administrative penalties bylaw, allowing enforcement officers — including summer students — to issue tickets on the spot without first issuing warnings or compliance orders.
City staff estimate that the tougher rules could generate roughly $48,700 in revenue each year, nearly doubling the amount collected under the previous fine structure. Officials say the increased fines are meant to encourage compliance, reduce repeat complaints, and improve neighbourhood cleanliness.
This marks the second fine increase in 2025, following an April decision to raise penalties for overflowing or improperly stored garbage bins. The timing comes as Brampton prepares to take over garbage collection from the Region of Peel starting July 1, 2026, pending final provincial approval — a move that will give the city more direct control over waste management and enforcement.