Calgary police are cracking down on drivers who are taking unsafe loads to local landfills.

They launched the campaign today at the Spyhill Landfill in Calgary's northwest.

Inspector Gerry Francois says every year there are complaints of debris blowing off vehicles headed to the dump. As well, many of the drivers do not have appropriate permits.

Often collisions occur and damage is done to cars, he said.

"It is especially bad in the spring when people are cleaning their garages and yards," he says.

Francois says a similar campaign in 2014 checked more than 1,100 vehicles and found more than 20 per cent were non-compliant near the Spyhill Landfill.

The fines can be hefty. An improperly covered truck carrying loose material will cost you $500 and transporting an unsecured load $345.

Starting on Thursday, Calgary police will be checking drivers and vehicles as they enter the Spyhill Landfill.