CBRM Introduces Tough New Litter Bylaw with Hefty Fines

In a move to tackle the persistent litter problem in Cape Breton, the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) has voted to create a standalone litter bylaw that will allow the municipality to issue fines to both individuals and businesses responsible for littering.

The decision comes after years of complaints from volunteer cleanup groups, who have collected over 50,000 kg of litter across the CBRM since 2011. Councillor Kim Sheppard-Campbell, who proposed the bylaw, acknowledged that while not everyone can check their property hourly, some businesses, particularly in the food industry, are aware of the litter problem in their parking lots.

Eldon MacDonald, who represents parts of downtown Sydney, expressed concerns about penalizing private businesses for the actions of others, but the majority of the council agreed that a tougher stance on litter is necessary. Mayor Cecil Clarke stated that the municipality is considering even stiffer penalties for repeat offenders, potentially working with the province to "make this real to the point of being serious, that it has teeth."

The new bylaw aims to address the CBRM's longstanding litter problem, which Kathleen Aikens of the Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP) Cape Breton attributes in part to the prevalence of single-use packaging. Aikens believes a "massive cultural shift" is needed, not just in terms of proper waste disposal, but also in reducing overall consumption.

As the CBRM moves forward with its litter crackdown, the municipality has also pledged to provide more garbage and recycling bins to help keep communities clean. With the new bylaw set to be implemented, the CBRM hopes to finally turn the tide on its litter woes and inspire a more sustainable mindset among residents and businesses.