EDITORIAL: Warm days bring more illegal dumping

Along with the warm weather comes an irritating sight each year – illegal dumping. 

Infuriated Squamish residents have emailed photos and videos to The Chief of the trash that’s carelessly tossed in the most pristine areas, including the estuary, along backcountry roads and deeper into the forest. 

Last week, a man contacted The Chief to say he found countless dumping spots and brought our photographer with him to see discarded mattresses, garden and household waste, old Christmas trees and even construction waste like asphalt roof shingles and concrete paving tiles – all along the Mamquam Forest Service Road. 

Although it’s bad for anyone to dump illegally, it seems even worse when a construction company carelessly throws their waste into the forest. They should know better and have the money set aside for the expense of using Squamish’s landfill. 

It’s a grimy problem that only seems to be getting worse. 

So why is it happening? 

Perhaps it’s because people aren’t aware of how little it can cost to use the dump. Tipping fees on the District of Squamish’s website can be a bit hard to understand since they are posted by tonne. 

One-hundred pounds of household garbage or construction waste costs between $6.50 to $13 to dispose of. Drywall, a common material illegally dumped, costs around the same. Mattresses and tires are $10, fridges are $25 and recyclables and invasive species are free. 

The dump is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week – there’s no excuse. 

Often, it takes longer to drive into the forest to toss the trash than it would to take it to the dump. Maybe the perpetrators want to save a buck but, more likely, they simply don’t care about what they’re doing. Protecting the environment surrounding Squamish is the last thing on their minds. 

Last year, around $10,000 of your tax dollars were spent to clean up illegal dumping. The year before $15,171 was shelled out.

If you come across someone illegally dumping, a local conservation officer recommends writing down a detailed description, including clothing, eye and hair colour and approximate age, height and weight. 

Also, if possible, record their licence plate number and type of vehicle. This will help if any case is pursued. 

If you see discarded garbage within district boundaries call 604-815-6868 and if it’s on Crown or Squamish Nation land call 1-877-952-7277 (#7277 on your cellphone).