My neighbour is dumping garbage on our side of the fence. Do I have to pay to get rid of it?

Your neighbour can’t dump rubbish on your property. If they do, they’ll have to pay for the cost of removal and any other damages they may have caused (like if you have to replant your grass).

Here are some ways you could tackle this problem. First, you can talk to your neighbour. Yes, this is easier said than done, especially if you’re already upset about the dumping. But it may help to resolve the conflict quickly. And we have tips for the talk. You could also write your neighbour a letter — let them know your concerns, and suggest you’re open to their ideas. 

You could also call the non-emergency line for your municipality. They’ll take your information and possibly issue a fine to your neighbour.

If these steps fail to deter your neighbour's behaviour, you can bring a legal action to resolve the situation. The Civil Resolution Tribunal helps British Columbians resolve disputes of less than $5,000 online, 24/7.

One last thing: you’ll be in a better position to complain if you have proof of the dumping — you might consider installing cameras on your property to record your neighbour’s actions.