Saint John is taking a harder stance on littering. The city recently combined several existing rules into a single nuisance bylaw to address behaviors like littering, vandalism, loitering, and public urination. As part of this update, the cost of dropping trash on the street is going up.

According to a report from Global News, the maximum fine for littering sat at $50 for more than two decades. Under the new rules, you still pay $50 if you settle the ticket within 45 days. However, if you delay payment, that fine escalates quickly. Late fees push the penalty to $140, and it reaches as high as $2,100 for severe delays.

Residents Want a Cleaner City

People living in Saint John want to see improvements. Trash on the streets impacts the visual appeal of the community and poses risks to local wildlife.

Resident Olivia Clements told Global News the garbage problem hurts the city’s image. “It just doesn’t make our city look nice. It doesn’t make it look clean,” Clements says. “It makes it just look like it’s a dump.”

Brieanne Pugh points out the environmental dangers, especially near the water. “Down by the port, there are a lot of animals in there and it gets in there,” Pugh says. “People litter in there and then the animals die, birds can choke on it.”

Education Over Enforcement

Despite the steeper penalties, the city prefers not to hand out tickets. In fact, officials report they issued zero littering fines in 2025 and none so far this year.

Travis Baxter serves as the solid waste manager for Saint John. He emphasizes that the city wants people to use the available trash cans rather than relying on punishment.

“Education and voluntary compliance are priority number one. Enforcement is truly the last step that we would prefer to take,” Baxter says.

Baxter notes the city maintains about 180 pole baskets and bins, with 115 located in the south central peninsula. Still, some residents feel certain neighborhoods lack adequate disposal options. Resident Sarah Elshazli mentions that while public areas have enough bins, other spots fall short.

If you notice a lack of garbage bins in your area, the city welcomes citizen requests to install more receptacles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What behaviors does the new nuisance bylaw cover?
The updated bylaw covers littering, vandalism, loitering, public urination, and public defecation.

How much is the fine for littering in Saint John?
The base fine is $50 if you pay it within 45 days. If you delay payment, the fine increases to $140 and reaches up to $2,100.

How many littering tickets has the city issued recently?
The city issued no littering fines in 2025 and has not issued any so far this year.

How can I request a new garbage bin for my neighborhood?
The city accepts requests from citizens to place new garbage bins in specific areas that need them. You contact the city’s solid waste management department to make a request.