At Island Nature Trust, we are committed to safeguarding the natural beauty of Prince Edward Island. This summer, our stewardship team collected approximately 1,500 pounds of illegally dumped waste across our properties. From household appliances to hazardous materials, improperly disposed waste poses a serious threat to the health of our ecosystems and adds a significant financial burden to our organization.

A recent SaltWire article highlighted the growing issue of illegal dumping on Prince Edward Island, underscoring the need for collective action to protect our environment. “It’s quite disappointing,” says Kaylee Busniuk, Land Stewardship Manager for Island Nature Trust. “Not only is illegal dumping against the law, but it degrades the ecosystems in those areas.” When hazardous materials corrode or break down, they release harmful chemicals into the soil and water, contaminating the land and threatening local wildlife. Large items like furniture and appliances are especially challenging, requiring time, resources, and manpower to remove.

Invasive plant species are also a concern. “Invasive plants are often illegally dumped, and they can disrupt native ecosystems, which adds to the work of our team,” explains Kaylee. “These plants spread quickly, outcompeting native species and threatening the biodiversity of our natural areas.”

Left: Individuals disposing of their trash illegally have made a dumpsite of recyclable materials at INT’s Natural Area near Forest Hill, P.E.I.
Right: Along with household material being illegally dumped on P.E.I, individuals have thrown away yellow archangel, a garden plant that is well known to be invasive.

Our stewardship efforts go beyond just waste removal; they include the protection, maintenance, and monitoring of more than 11,000 acres of natural land. “The cost of responding to illegal dumping is a large burden on our organization,” says Kaylee. “It takes away from other vital conservation work that we need to do.”

Stewardship is a cornerstone of Island Nature Trust’s mission, and it is only possible with the support of the community. Cash donations help cover the costs of clean-ups, maintain necessary resources, and support the staff and volunteers who dedicate themselves to protecting these spaces.

“Education is key,” Kaylee adds. “Many items being dumped illegally can be disposed of for free at Waste Watch facilities. People can drop off hazardous waste, large items, and even invasive plants. It’s a simple and accessible solution that helps protect our environment.”

To deter illegal dumping, Island Nature Trust also installs gates, signs, and shares information to educate the public on proper disposal options.

If you care about protecting our Island’s natural spaces, you can make a difference by supporting Island Nature Trust. Donations to Stewardship: Nature & Conservation directly support these vital conservation efforts. To contribute, visit https://secure.islandnaturetrust.ca/donate. With your help, we can continue our work to keep P.E.I.’s landscapes clean, healthy, and beautiful for generations to come.

This article was inspired by SaltWire’s recent coverage, which sheds light on the critical challenges illegal dumping poses for our Island. Together, we can turn awareness into action and create lasting change for Prince Edward Island’s natural spaces.