News Release - May 18, 2017

News Release - May 18, 2017

RDN's 'Your Waste Doesn't Belong Here' Campaign Takes Aim at Illegal Dumping

To highlight the problems associated with illegal dumping, the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is launching the ‘Your Waste Doesn’t Belong Here’ Campaign. The social media campaign aims to increase awareness of the true cost of illegal dumping, educate residents about options for responsible waste management, and increase monitoring in areas where illegal dumping is known to occur.

Thanks to funding from the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities, the RDN has also collaborated with other Regional Districts to create a short video about the impacts of illegal dumping. Watch the video at www.rdn.bc.ca/illegaldumping

Illegal dumping is a long-standing concern in the region. Each year, the RDN spends $30,000 combating illegal dumping and in 2016, over 35 tonnes of illegally dumped material was recovered. These materials can have serious effects on the environment, wildlife habitat and the ability for others to use and enjoy outdoor recreational areas.

If you see someone illegally dumping, call the Provincial Report All Poachers and Polluters line at 1-877-952-7277 (#7277 from cellphones).

“I think there are a number of reasons why people dump illegally including lack of awareness about how easy and inexpensive recycling is in our region,” said RDN Chair Bill Veenhof. “In many cases, the dumped items can be recycled free of charge or for a small fee at any number of recycling depots in our region.”

The RDN’s “What Goes Where” search feature quickly and easily identifies the closest location for donating, recycling or disposing of your waste items including yard waste, bulky furniture and electronics. For more information, visit www.rdn.bc.ca/illegaldumping

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Contact:
Meghan Larson
Solid Waste Planner,
Regional District of Nanaimo
250-390-6560
mlarson [at] rdn.bc.ca (mlarson[at]rdn[dot]bc[dot]ca)