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Bylaws related to littering

Leaving trash, including cigarette butts, on private or public land makes the city dirty and unsafe. It harms the environment and public safety. Littering laws keep our communities clean. They say:

  • Throwing lit cigarettes or burning material improperly will cost you more.
  • Trash must go in proper bins, not on public property.
  • If a vehicle is used to litter, the owner may be charged.

Fines for violations of these regulations range between $500 and $1000.

Littering is regulated by the Street Bylaw in section 17 and the Parks and Pathways Bylaw in section 13. This includes the improper disposal of cigarette butts on city streets and in parks.

This page is an overview of these regulations. Please refer to the actual bylaws for more detailed information. Original copies of the bylaws are available at the City Clerk's office.​

Cigarette Litter

Did you know cigarette butts are a big problem in our city? They're not made of cotton or paper but synthetic material that takes years to break down. Here's why they're bad:

  • They're one of the most littered items worldwide.
  • Chemicals in them, like arsenic and lead, can contaminate water and harm aquatic life.
  • Sunlight breaks them into tiny pieces that pollute soil and water.
  • Fines for littering with cigarettes range from $250 to $1000.

If you’re a smoker, consider buying a pocket ashtray locally and from popular on-line retailers. For more information on The City’s regulations for smoking and vaping, visit Bylaws Related to Smoking, To find out the safe disposal of cigarettes, visit Proper Disposal of Smoking Material and What Goes Where​.

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Filing a complaint

If you know of a littering infraction and would like to report it, please call 311 (from within Calgary) or 403-268-CITY (2489) (from outside Calgary) or use the 311 app or:

Submit a complaint online

To help us respond faster, please be ready with the following information:

  • Your name and address
  • A primary and alternate phone number
  • The address and exact location of the property for which you wish to register a complaint
  • A brief and concise description of the complaint

This information will remain confidential. No anonymous complaints will be accepted - you must identify yourself with the 311 service representative.

Please include any related photos when reporting a complaint with the 311 app. This will assist the investigating officer.

Learn more about filing a bylaw complaint and the process.

Related topics

  • Public behaviour & spaces

    Learn about bylaws related to public behaviour and spaces.

  • Nuisances

    Learn about bylaws related to nuisances.

  • Dogs

    Learn about bylaws related to dogs.

  • Garbage

    Learn about bylaws related to garbage.

  • Illegal dumping

    Learn about bylaws related to illegal dumping.

  • Smoking

    Learn about bylaws related to smoking.

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