On September 21, 2026, the Bureau of the Inspector General of Montreal (BIG) announced a sweeping crackdown on the city’s waste‑collection sector. The operation followed an internal investigation that uncovered extensive hiring of illegal workers by subcontractors serving the municipal garbage‑collection system.
The investigation found that a large number of subcontractors were employing undocumented laborers and using false identities to conceal their status. Those practices created heightened safety hazards for waste collectors, who often work in hazardous conditions and rely on proper training and legal protections.
In response, BIG launched a series of enforcement actions across the metropolitan area. Authorities inspected multiple subcontractor sites, issued citations, and initiated proceedings against firms that were found to be in violation of labor and safety regulations. The crackdown also involved the removal of workers who could not provide valid documentation, and the suspension of contracts with companies that failed to meet legal requirements.
The operation comes amid ongoing concerns about the integrity of Montreal’s waste‑collection system. Officials have previously noted that illegal labor practices and insufficient safety measures have plagued the sector, leaving both workers and the public at risk. By targeting the subcontracting chain, BIG aims to address the root causes of these vulnerabilities.
BIG officials indicated that the agency will maintain heightened oversight of waste‑collection contracts and continue to monitor compliance with labor and safety standards. The bureau stressed that ensuring lawful employment and protecting collector safety remain priorities for municipal services moving forward.