There is no doubt about it, illegal dumping sucks.
If you spot an illegal dump site or see someone disposing of trash in our environment report it online or call toll free 1-800-331-6007 or 250-334-6000.
What is illegal dumping?
Illegal dumping is the improper disposal of waste in public or private areas, such as parks, rural properties and logging roads. Illegal dumping impacts the environment and our community and is a growing problem. Since 2012, over 1000 sites with illegally dumped materials have been documented. The Comox Strathcona Waste Management Board approved a public education strategy and an illegal dumping bylaw to ensure consistency in wording, enforcement and fines across the region.
What is being dumped in our environment?
The most commonly found items at illegal dump sites are household garbage, including recyclables, construction materials, yard waste, appliances and furniture. Illegal dumpers often point to tipping fees as an excuse to dispose of trash in the environment. Illegal dumping statistics collected since 2012 show that 57% of dump sites contain free for disposal or recyclable items. Click below to learn more about the cost to dispose of these items in the landfill.
More than 141,780 kg of waste has been removed from our environment since the launch of the Illegal Dumping program. The success of our program is dependent on support from partnering municipalities, community groups and volunteers. Comox Strathcona Waste Management would like to acknowledge and thank all volunteers who have been participating in clean-ups since 2017:
- B&D Containers
- Comox Valley and Campbell River ATV clubs
- Courtenay Fish and Game
- Tyee Club of Campbell River
- K'ómoks First Nation
- Millard Creek Stream clean-up
- Pacific Woodwaste
- Stop Comox Strathcona Illegal Dumping
- Future Earthworks
- Village of Gold River
Are you disposing of waste properly?
The easiest way to prevent illegal dumping is to ensure that your waste is disposed of properly. Fines for illegally dumped material apply to those who own the garbage, not just those who dump it.
Instead of dumping something illegally try using other free disposal resources that won’t pollute or harm the environment like:
- Craigslist, Facebook, Buy Sell & Trade, Kijiji or Used Comox Valley
- Second hand stores for furniture and household items
- Churches and non-profit groups
- Calling the Comox Strathcona Waste Management service to see if there is a free disposal option you may not be aware of
- Encorp Return-It depots for free disposal of appliances
- Check the Recycling Council of BC website for free disposal
Many items can be reused through donations or recycled. All solid waste originating within the boundaries of the Comox Valley Regional District and Strathcona Regional District will be accepted at the Comox Valley and Campbell River Waste Management Centres. Disposal fees can be found here.
If you have questions about how much it will cost to dispose of an item phone 250-334-6016 or email us.
Before bringing items to the landfill, ensure you are getting the best value for your tipping fees by:
- Removing any scrap metal, appliances or electronics, which are free for disposal
- Ensuring all your items are as dry as possible to reduce the weight of your material
- Tarping or covering your loads to ensure you do not receive a fine
- Checking before you leave to ensure the facility is open
Before allowing someone else to dispose of waste for you, make sure you know it is not being illegal dumped. Ask your contractor or junk removal company for the tipping fee receipt with your invoice to ensure your waste materials are being properly disposed of responsibly. The new Illegal Dumping bylaw means you could be charged if someone else illegally dumps items that belong to you.
Learn more about illegal dumping in our region and how it is enforced.
Since the launch of the Illegal Dumping program in 2017, staff have responded to approximately 400 illegal dump sites and dozens of dumpers identified, often resulting in tickets being issued.
Fines for illegally dumped materials apply to those who own the garbage, not just those who dump it. If you ask someone to illegally dump material for you, you are still breaking the law.
Our Illegal Dumping Bylaw No, 470, is helping us to coordinate with other jurisdictions to catch illegal dumpers. Click below for more information about the bylaw and the fines associated with it.
Bylaw No. 470 – CSWM Illegal Dumping Regulations