New Brunswick’s forests are more than just trees. They are home to wildlife, important ecosystems, walking trails, waterways, and natural spaces that people have enjoyed for generations. But illegal garbage dumping continues to threaten these places, leaving behind pollution, damaged habitats, and a costly cleanup burden for communities.
The Zealand, New Brunswick area, surrounded by Crown land and rural wooded areas, has become an example of a growing problem — people using remote forests as a place to illegally dispose of waste instead of using proper disposal options.
This is not a harmless act. It is a crime that damages the environment and affects everyone.
When garbage is dumped in the woods, it can introduce harmful materials into the ecosystem. Household waste, construction debris, old appliances, plastics, chemicals, batteries, and other materials can leak pollutants into the soil and water.
Wildlife can also be directly affected.
Animals may become trapped in discarded materials, injured by sharp objects, or exposed to toxic substances. Garbage can change animal behaviour by attracting wildlife into areas where they normally would not gather, creating risks for both animals and people.
Illegal dumping also destroys the experience of being outdoors. Trails that should be places to enjoy nature become areas filled with waste and pollution. Volunteers, landowners, and taxpayers are often left paying the price to remove what others illegally abandoned.
New Brunswickers have a responsibility to protect these lands.
If you see illegal dumping or know of a dump site, reporting it can make a difference.
How to Report Illegal Dumping
Anonymous Reporting – Crime Stoppers
You can report illegal dumping without giving your name.
📞 Call: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
Or submit a secure tip through New Brunswick Crime Stoppers.
Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development – Conservation Officers
Many areas around Zealand and Keswick Ridge include Crown land. Conservation officers can investigate environmental violations.
📞 Fredericton office: (506) 453-3826
RCMP
If you witness someone actively dumping, record information if it is safe to do so and contact police.
📞 Keswick RCMP non-emergency line: (506) 357-4300
Penalties for Illegal Dumping
Illegal dumping can lead to serious consequences.
Individuals can face provincial fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the offence.
Businesses and commercial operators dumping waste illegally can face much larger penalties, including significant fines and enforcement action.
Courts may also order offenders to clean up the site at their own expense.
Dumping garbage in the woods is not saving money — it is passing the cost onto the environment, taxpayers, and future generations.
What Information Helps Catch Offenders?
If you safely observe illegal dumping, useful information includes:
- Exact location of the dump site.
- GPS coordinates or nearby roads/trails.
- Vehicle make, model, colour, and licence plate.
- Type of waste dumped.
- Date and time of the activity.
- Photos or video only if it can be done safely.
Do not confront people dumping waste. Let authorities handle it.
Our forests belong to everyone. The wildlife that depends on these lands cannot report illegal dumping themselves, so it is up to people who care about nature to speak up.
Protecting New Brunswick’s forests starts with respecting them.
Illegal dumping is not just leaving trash behind — it is damaging the natural world we all share.
Keith Dennis Brewer
Nature and Wildlife Advocate
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