RDN staff has been working with the Ministry of Environment, City of Nanaimo, City of Parksville, Town of Qualicum, improvement districts, forest companies and other agencies to develop a coordinated approach to combat illegal dumping. The RDN will soon contract a company to use cameras and other techniques to monitor problem sites and collect the evidence needed to prosecute illegal dumpers under BC s Waste Management Act. RDN residents can be part of the solution to illegal dumping problem by responsibly disposing of their garbage, yard waste and oversized items. Don t assume that because grass clippings and yard waste eventually decompose, it s acceptable to dump them at a vacant lot or at the end of a gravel road. Dumping yard waste leads to other dumping and creates problems with rats and polluted water.
Government has limited resources to combat illegal dumping.
You can help protect our public lands and sensitive landscapes. If you see someone dumping illegally, record the vehicle license number, and note a description of those involved. By providing specific information to the Ministry of Environment and being willing to testify in court, illegal dumpers will finally get the message that they will be caught. For more information on the Illegal Dumping Prevention Program, contact Al Stanley at RDN Environmental Services.