A local councillor's tired of seeing garbage piling up on the roads leading to the landfill. RM of Portage la Prairie Ward 1 Councillor Garth Asham says those using the facility haven't been using tarps to cover their loads, despite a by-law in place that dictates a $25 dollar fine. He says that's left the roads on the way to the site covered with litter.

"I don't think there's anybody from any walk of life that would like me or you to drop garbage in front of their place, possibly blow on their frontage, and have the responsibility to go and

Garth Ashamclean up somebody's garbage."

Asham says the use of a tarp isn't too much to ask, but they'll be stepping up the enforcement of the by-law to help put an end to the issue.

"We're going to be enforcing the tarp loads cargo coming out to the landfill. That's going to be enforced, with the $25 fine. If you don't have a tarp, tarps are readily available at any hardware store here in town."

Litter blown from untarped loads isn't the only issue Asham's seeing along those roads. He believes illegal dumping has become a growing issue, as some users try to avoid the fine for not using a tarp.

"Random dumping is also a huge concern to us out at the landfill and us in the RM, because people get three-quarters of the way to the dump, or half-way to the dump and realize they forgot their tarp, but don't want to pay the $25 dollar fine, so just dump it in the ditch."

He says anyone who witnesses illegal dumping should take photos with their phones, or take down information to report the incident to the RCMP. He notes the RM's been spending a lot of time and money clearing up that garbage, and wants to see more Portagers taking pride in our community.