Fridges, strollers and even sex toys are showing up in ditches along Metchosin roads.
The District of Metchosin is at its wits end over an increase in illegal dumping.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e been picking up heavy items like refrigerators and stoves,B次元官网网址� said Joe Martignago, MetchosinB次元官网网址檚 chief administrative officer, explaining the long cul-de-sacs are the most common locations for illegal dumping.
Rod and Donna Bloomfield know too well, living at the top end of Neild Road. They have lived in their home for the past four years and, ever since moving in, have seen items dumped on their road.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 such a majestic view,B次元官网网址� Rod said on his deck, overlooking a valley. B次元官网网址淵ou donB次元官网网址檛 want to look at garbage on the side of the road on the way up here.B次元官网网址�
While they have never caught anyone in the act, the Bloomfields have felt the repercussions of the dumping over and over.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e had mattresses dumped in the ditch and Rod had to use the Bobcat to haul them out,B次元官网网址� said Donna.
Recently theyB次元官网网址檝e stumbled across two deer carcasses and a large aquarium.
B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檇 rather people knock on the door (and ask) for five bucks,B次元官网网址� Donna said, explaining sheB次元官网网址檇 pay the nominal fee to have the items properly recycled.
Dumping is occurring all over the district and, while itB次元官网网址檚 always been a problem, the crews charged with doing the clean-up say it seems to be getting worse.
B次元官网网址淲e picked up a bathtub a couple of weeks ago ... We find everything, literally, including the kitchen sink,B次元官网网址� Martignago said.
Even commercial items, such as roofing tiles have been found.
In two weeks, the public works crew have managed to fill a large bin, about 60-feet-long and eight-feet-high.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e found dead cats in bags, sex toys and even a crack pipe last week,B次元官网网址� said Gord Grivel, of Metchosin public works. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e found almost everything except for money. ThatB次元官网网址檚 how we know it wasnB次元官网网址檛 dropped by accident.B次元官网网址�
The municipality has to cover the cost of having the items removed, which means taxpayers foot the bill for the work.
B次元官网网址淭hese guys get paid a reasonable wage,B次元官网网址� Martignago said explaining it costs thousands of dollars to have the messes cleaned up.
With the Capital Regional District proposing to stop taking kitchen waste in the landfill, Metchosin Mayor John Ranns is concerned it will lead to more dumping.
reporter@goldstreamgazette.com
Solutions
At the end of May, a scrap metal bin will be located at the Metchosin community hall for recycling items, including large ones such as stoves. The bin will be at the community hall for one month and open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.
