Cochrane notice cites $400 set fine for illegal dumping; poster warns cameras are in use

Residents in Cochrane could face a $400 set fine for illegally dumping refuse or debris on streets, public property, or on private property without the owner’s consent, under Town of Cochrane By-Law 1457-2021. The town highlighted the penalty in a public notice dated May 6, 2026.

The notice and an accompanying poster also warn that surveillance cameras are being used in “known dumping hot spot areas,” as the town urges people not to leave garbage or other debris in places such as roadsides, ditches, trails and open spaces.

In the May 6 notice, the Town of Cochrane said Section 2.2 IV of By-Law 1457-2021 prohibits depositing waste and other materials — including recyclables, leaf and yard material, organic matter, or bulky items — on or in any street, public property, or private property without prior consent of the owner, unless the bylaw allows it.

The notice states that anyone who contravenes the bylaw “may be subject to a set fine of $400.”

The town’s poster uses a slightly different wording for the penalty, stating “fine up to $400.00 as per town bylaw.” The poster also states that dumping refuse on town property or private property is illegal, and warns that violators “will be caught” and “will be fined.”

Along with its warning about cameras, the poster lists common dumping locations such as “roadsides, ditches, trails and open spaces,” and includes a message to respect private property.