Toss your junk where it belongs: Metro Vancouver kicks off ‘Put Waste in its Place’ campaign

METRO VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – As people dig into spring cleaning, municipalities across the region will spend more than $5-million to combat illegal dumping.

Metro Vancouver is kicking off its annual campaign that urges you “Put Waste in its Place” — not wherever you want.

Into its third year now, the campaign aims to remind you to “do the right thing by disposing of their unwanted items responsibly.”

“We are all taught from a young age not to litter,” Mayor Jack Froese, Chair of Metro Vancouver’s Zero Waste Committee, said. “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.”

Illegal dumping can cost you a hefty price if you’re caught in the act. In Vancouver, for example, the city says offenders can be fined between $100 and $10,000 under the Street and Traffic Bylaw.

Mattresses, furniture, appliances, electronics, and even green waste are apparently the most commonly dumped items. Last year, Metro Vancouver recorded more than 40,000 cases of abandoned waste.

Home renovations, students and move-outs are to blame in many cases.

Metro Vancouver is reminding you that free municipal collection and other pick up services are just some of the options you have to avoid illegal dumping.

“…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,” Froese added. “Disposing of unwanted items correctly is cheaper in the long run and prevents waste from becoming eyesores in our neighbourhoods.”

If you’re looking for more disposal options, pop-up junk days, spring cleaning events, or more information on what kind of services are offered around the region, you can click here.