Dear editor,

Illegal dumping is a growing problem in our communities. In the last five years more than 500 illegal dump sites have been documented in public and private areas, such as parks, rural properties and logging roads. This behaviour harms the environment and can have serious long lasting impacts on our region.

There is no excuse for illegal dumping but a common misconception is that people do it because tipping fees are too expensive. The Under the Glacier cartoon published on May 4 illustrates a myth that I would like to take the opportunity to correct.

The fact is, the most commonly dumped items in our environment can be properly disposed of at the landfill for free or very little cost. For example, electronics, stoves, washers and dryers are free, and so are old tires, microwaves and dishwashers. It will cost you $10 to drop off a 159-pound sofa bed or you could try donating it to a local charity for free. It does take some time and effort to dispose of unwanted goods responsibly, even if there is no cost attached. Illegal dumpers are people who refuse to invest the time to do what is right.

If we want illegal dumping to stop in our community we must first take responsibility for disposing of our own waste in an acceptable manner. We must also report anyone we see dumping waste illegally to 1-800-331-6007, so that a proper investigation can be conducted and fines can be imposed.

For more information on the actual cost of disposing the most commonly dumped items in our region, please visit www.cswm.ca/illegaldumping

Michael Dinesen

Bylaw Enforcement Officer

Comox Strathcona Waste Management