New garbage collection regulations take effect in Waterloo Region in less than two weeks and they will include a hefty fine for illegal dumping.

The fine, approved last night by regional council, is set at a minimum of $300 with more severe offenders ticketed to the tune of $5,000.

Illegal dumping means everything from tossing your garbage into a private trash bin to throwing it into a ditch.

The new rules take effect March 6th.

Garbage will only be picked up every two weeks with a maximum of four bags to start.

The region is expected to reduce that to two bags at some point.

Blue box and green bin pick up will continue on a weekly basis.