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Please don't illegally dump your junk, Metro Vancouver asks

Metro Vancouver is reminding residents not to illegally dump unwanted items with its Put Waste in Its Place campaign.
dumping
Metro Vancouver is reminding residents not to illegally dump their unwanted items.

Metro Vancouver is reminding residents not to illegally dump unwanted items with its Put Waste in Its Place campaign.

Municipalities spend more than $5 million annually to clean up illegal dumping and are taking tougher measures against those caught in the act, according to a press release.

“We are all taught from a young age not to litter,” said Jack Froese, Chair of Metro Vancouver’s Zero Waste Committee. “We know it’s wrong, and with so many cost-effective – even free – ways to properly dispose of waste, it’s perplexing that some people still choose to dump their unwanted items on the side of the road, in our parks, and alleyways.”

In 2018, Metro Vancouver municipalities recorded over 40,000 incidents of abandoned waste. Mattresses, furniture, appliances, electronics and green waste continued to be the most commonly dumped items, and the majority of incidents were attributed to home renovations, students and move-outs.

“There is simply no need to abandon waste,” Froese said. “In addition to free municipal collection services, many delivery companies will take away old mattresses or appliances for a small fee, which is much cheaper than receiving a fine for illegally dumping. Disposing of unwanted items correctly is cheaper in the long run and prevents waste from becoming eyesores in our neighbourhoods.”

Residents are encouraged to visit wasteinitsplace.ca for disposal options, pop-up junk days and spring cleaning events, as well as information on what services Metro Vancouver municipalities offer for large item disposal.

“Residents are more likely to improperly dispose of items at the end of the month or on moving days,” says Sav Dhaliwal, Chair of Metro Vancouver. “With a little foresight, residents can easily rid themselves of unwanted items, without degrading someone’s neighbourhood and breaking the law.”