Illegal Dumping
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Random Spot checks:
Did you know the RDCO and City of Kelowna randomly do spot checks, looking for illegal
dumpers?
Report an Illegal Dumper
If you see someone illegally dumping here is what you need to do:
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OBSERVE - If you see someone dumping take a few minutes to watch.
You must actually witness the person dump their materials for us to pursue charges.
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RECORD - Note the time, date, location, vehicle license and description,
and type of materials dumped.
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REPORT - Call (250) 469-6250
Want to help clean illegal dumpsites? Try our Community
Clean Up program!
Our illegal dumping efforts are paying off! Eight years ago there was a full-time
staff person investigating and cleaning illegal dumpsites. We are down to one person
working six hours one day a week!
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Illegal dumping takes many forms, whether its someone dumping yard waste, vehicles
being abandoned, or bush party leftovers.
In every case, something is being placed where it doesn't belong. This can have
devastating effects. Not only is illegal dumping unsightly, it can create wildfire
and other environmental hazards. Compostables such as yard waste and grass clippings,
although natural, create a fire hazard, a serious problem in our tinder-dry climate.
Broken glass beverage containers are also a fire concern. Animals that consume any of
the plastics or foods can be harmed and oils, chemicals, battery fluids and other
hazardous wastes can seep into soil and our watersheds, creating a toxic problem.
Costs for clean-up are high.
This is frustrating because:
- It is free for residents to dispose of
up to 250 kg of yard waste at the landfills
- It costs only $1.00 per bag of garbage or, only $6.00 for up to 250 kg (550 lbs)
of garbage
- Appliances
cost $6.00 each
to drop off.for
disposal at the
landfill.
The cost to have illegal
dump sites clean up (including
the fuel and the hourly
wages to drive the back
roads) to
you as a taxpayer far exceeds the few dollars for taking
the material to the landfill for proper and safe disposal! Not to mention
the financial and societal cost to you
as a taxpayer and the
offender if and when
they are caught.
Fines for illegal dumping are outlined in the
Consolidated Municipal Ticket and Information Bylaw. They range from
$100 under the Solid Waste Management Regulation Bylaw, up to $2,000 under the Offence
Act.
Contact Info
If you find an illegal dump, here is whom you should contact:
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On Crown lands:
Waste Reduction Office
(250) 469-6250
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On private lands:
Bylaw Enforcement
(250) 469-6211
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On Highway right-of-ways:
Ministry of Transportation
Westside
(250) 769-1397
Kelowna
(250) 766-3970 (for roads not maintained by the City of Kelowna)
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