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City taking steps to reduce illegal dumping

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed September 7, 2016 10:34 AM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo Sanitation and Bylaw Departments are working together to tackle illegal dumping.

There has been an increase in incidences of illegal dumping in the City, particularly in neighbourhoods rather than in the more typical remote dump sites. Causing the problem are things like couches, old mattresses and unwanted barbecues that are left outside a property with a sign indicating the items are "free". Exposed to the elements, these items create an unsightly mess that tends to attract more garbage.

The following steps are being taken to tackle the problem:

  1. Supporting vigilance on the part of the resident and asking residents to report illegal dumping to the Bylaw Department.
  2. Reminding residents of their disposal alternatives.
  3. Working to find those responsible for illegal dumping and serving them with tickets.

Link to Strategic Plan: Environmental Responsibility: Protecting and enhancing Nanaimo’s natural environment by looking after the community’s biological diversity in the course of land use and development.

Key Points

  • Please don’t place "free" items outside your home.
  • The City of Nanaimo hosts an annual “Reuse Rendezvous” event every April. This city-wide swap meet is the only time it is permissible to place "free" items outside your property.
  • Notify the Bylaw Department when you notice illegally dumped items including “free” items outside residences. The bylaw hotline is 250-755-4422 or email at bylaw.info@nanaimo.ca
  • Dispose of your large items properly. If the item is useable, you could keep it until Reuse Rendezvous, advertise it on an online free site or donate it to a thrift store. If the item is no longer useable, you could take it to the landfill or have a contract company come to collect it.

Quotes

"We ask all residents to please dispose of their unwanted items in a responsible fashion and to call our Bylaw Department if they notice any illegal dumping. People may think that by placing an item outside with a "free" sign on it that they aren't dumping, when in fact they are. This is the biggest contributor to the growth of illegal dumping in the City."

Charlotte Davis
Manager of Sanitation, Recycling and Public Works Administration
City of Nanaimo

"The City would like to remind residents that it is illegal to deposit unwanted materials on city property. A fine of $100.00 may be issued to persons found to be participating in this type of action."

Rod Davidson
Manager of Bylaw Regulation & Security
City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

  • Illegal dumping costs the City over $20,000 to clean up annually.
  • In 2015 the City collected almost 13,000 kgs of illegally dumped material.
  • In 2015 City staff spent about 1,500 hours working on issues involving illegal dumping.
  • In 2015 the City responded to 365 incidences of illegal dumping. This is a 50 per cent increase from 2013 when 239 incidences were attended. So far in 2016 there have been 251 incidences.
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Contact:

Charlotte Davis
Manager of Sanitation and Recycling
City of Nanaimo
250 758 5222
Rod Davidson
Manager of Bylaw Regulation & Security
City of Nanaimo
250-755-4466

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