Although most residents in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District responsibly manage their waste, illegal dumping continues to be a problem.
Often times, items we find dumped in the bush, could have been brought to a local transfer station or landfill for free!
Once these items are in the bush, they tend to attract more material. This is known as the ‘broken window theory’. An area that looks unkempt is more likely to attract illegally dumped materials than an area that is well taken care of, and free of illegally dumped materials.
On average the TNRD spends around $30,000 annually on cleaning up illegal dumping sites. Motion sensor cameras have also been installed throughout the region to catch illegal dumpers in the act. The cameras track activity in illegal dumping hot spots by catching vehicle license plates, and then relay the evidence to conservation officers who then issue fines accordingly.
Many illegal dumping sites go unreported however. The TNRD also organizes clean-ups of reported sites with volunteers and community groups from around the region who want to make a difference.
The TNRD is committed to reducing its carbon footprint through undertaking more environmentally sustainable ways of operations. In 2008 the TNRD adopted its Regional Solid Waste Management Plan, which included the development of a region-wide Pay-as-you-Throw garbage collection program and unlimited blue bag recycling.
“These items listed are items that could’ve been disposed of for free,” said Adriana Mailloux, TNRD Environmental Services technologist. “However they’re continuously dumped illegally around the region.”
• Grass clippings and yard waste - Compost this material on your own property or bring it into a landfill or select transfer stations with a collection pile. Grass and yard waste left in the bush is a very real fire hazard. Most illegal dump sites usually spawn from dumped yard waste. New TNRD Eco-Depots will have composting on-site to make this easier for residents. Accepted at: ALL landfills, Blue River, Clinton, Logan Lake, Lytton, Savona, 70 Mile, and Westwold transfer stations.
• Tires off rim - The collection and recycling of used tires is covered by Tire Stewardship BC. Bring your used, off rim tires to any TNRD landfill and select transfer stations with a collection pile, or any local tire shop. Tires in the bush are a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus. Accepted at: ALL landfills, Blue River, Clinton, Knutsford, Logan Lake, Lytton, Pritchard, Savona, 70 Mile, and Westwold transfer stations.
• Automotive batteries - When left in the bush, batteries quickly crack and leach sulphuric acid into the ground. Bring used batteries to any TNRD landfill or select transfer stations with a collection pile to responsibly dispose of your used batteries. Accepted at: ALL landfills, Blue River, Clinton, Knutsford, Logan Lake, Lytton, Paul Lake, Pritchard, Savona, 70 Mile, and Westwold transfer stations.
• Used Oil Containers - One drop of used oil can contaminate one millions drops of clean water. Leaving used oil containers in the bush has the potential to contaminate our clean watersheds. Used oil and containers can be brought back to most retailers who sell oil or select TNRD landfills and transfer stations. Accepted at: Barriere landfill, Clearwater landfill, Blue River, Clinton, Logan Lake, Lytton, Pritchard, 70 Mile, and Westwold transfer stations.
• Washers, dryers, stoves, microwaves - Extremely unsightly when left abandoned in the bush. Bring to our scrap metal piles for free. Accepted at: ALL landfills, Blue River, Clinton, Knutsford, Logan Lake, Lytton, Paul Lake, Pritchard, Savona, 70 Mile, Spences Bridge, and Westwold transfer stations.
Illegal Dumping Hot Spots in the TNRD (all are under 24-hour surveillance):
Lindley Creek Road - Merritt
Mammit Lake Road - Merritt
Lac Du Bois - Kamloops
Inks Lake - Between Kamloops & Lac le Jeune
Chase-Falkland Road - Chase
Old Lytton Landfill - Lytton
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has an ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, which includes combating illegal dumping around the region, and educating residents about their options for waste disposal.
– TNRD