Illegal Dumping

Illegal dumping is the improper disposal of waste and is a problem that continues to persist in Powell River and the qathet Regional District.

Illegal Dumping Strategy

Document on the qathet Regional District’s plan for addressing illegal dumping.

TRASH BASH (Annual Spring Event)

Annual Spring event where the community comes together to clean up illegal dumpsites and keep our outdoor spaces beautiful. Contact LetsTalkTrashTeam@gmail.com to learn more.

VOUCHER PROGRAM 

Groups and individuals who identify an illegal dumpsites on a trail, beach, or backwoods can apply for a voucher for free disposal at the Augusta transfer stations. Fill in this application form and submit it to Let’s Talk Trash at info@LetsTalkTrash.ca OR drop off a hard copy at #105 – 4675 Marine Avenue, Powell River, BC. Following approval, residents will be given a free disposal voucher valid for one day that must be submitted to weight scale attendant when dropping off collected materials.

REPORTING ILLEGAL DUMPSITES

Common items that are illegally dumped consist of mattresses, furniture, tires, drywall and yard waste. Some items such as bulky white appliances (stoves, washing machines, dryers etc.), small and large electronics, paint, hazardous materials, propane tanks and many metal items, fit into recycling programs and can be disposed of for free in Powell River. Please view the Waste Wise Guide a comprehensive list of accepted materials or enter specific items into the Waste Wizard local recycling search engine.

If you spot illegally dumped trash, please use Trashout.me, make an anonymous online report or contact Let’s Talk Trash. TrashOut is an app for smartphones that requires you to sign up for a free account. You can then take a photo of illegally dumped materials and your phone will automatically record the GPS coordinates. Once you upload the photo onto the app, the coordinates will become a pinpoint on the map and a quick report can be filled up regarding what materials the site consists of, how much material is there and any other details you want to add. The map can be used by local governments, community groups or members of the public who want to participate in cleanup efforts. Anyone can view the map and hover over pinpoints to see the details that have been recorded. Once cleaned, the sites can be removed.