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Environmental Services

Illegal Dumping

Illegal Dumping

Illegal dumping refers to the unlawful disposal of waste in public or private areas. It is harmful to the environment and our community, and can lead to increased risk of wildfire, contamination of soil and water, injury to animals or the public, and decreased property values.

Illegal dumping most often occurs on public lands such as along roadways, up forestry roads, and on Crown land, but includes dumping waste at RDCK resource recovery facilities outside of operating hours. The RDCK is responsible for landfilling and end-of-life management of waste generated in the region, while the management of public lands is the responsibility of various provincial ministries. The RDCK is working to establish an inter-agency approach with these provincial ministries to better mitigate and respond to illegal dumping activities.

Although tipping fees are often cited as the cause of illegal dumping, this harmful behaviour is occurring at similar rates in regional districts without tipping fees. When people opt to toss their waste into the bush or other undesirable locations, they are trashing our backyard and it costs all of us. We have a collective responsibility to look after and maintain the communities and backcountry areas where we live and play.

Click on the topics below to learn how you can help tackle illegal dumping in the RDCK.

Reporting illegal dumping ensures that the agencies responsible for managing the lands on which the dumping occurred are notified. Timely and accurate reporting can help:

  • Reduce response time
  • Minimize any damage caused by polluters
  • Increase the likelihood of apprehension and prosecution of polluters
  • Prevent further violations

This data is also important for understanding the scale of the problem and subsequent allocation of funding for these programs. It’s important to include as many details as possible when reporting illegal dumping. If possible:

  • Record the date, time, location (GPS) and weather conditions
  • Identify the violator(s) and companions or an accurate description of them
  • Record the vehicle license number and description
  • Identify the type(s) of material being dumped
  • If you have a camera, take pictures of the evidence at the scene without alarming the violator(s)

On Crown land:
Contact the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline toll-free at 1-877-952-RAPP(7277) or submit an electronic report on the BC RAPP website.

On roadways/right-of-ways:
Contact the Ministry of Transportation and Transit: 1-250-354-6400

At an RDCK landfill or transfer station:
Contact RDCK: 250-352-8161 or RRDept@rdck.bc.ca

Unsure if the illegal dumping is location on private or public land?
Contact RDCK: 250-352-8161 or RRDept@rdck.bc.ca

TrashOut App:
An additional way you can report illegal dumping is to use the TrashOut app – this free public app enables community groups organizing cleanups to identify dumpsites and prioritize their resources.

Illegal dumpsites often contain items that are free for disposal or recycling. Before bringing items to the landfill:

  • Separate items that are free for disposal, such as appliances, electronics, and other recyclables;
  • Separate items that have reduced disposal fees, such as scrap metal and clean wood;
  • Ensure all items are as dry as possible to reduce the weight;
  • Tarp or cover your loads for transport; and,
  • Ensure you are bringing the waste to a facility that can accept it. Some examples of items and corresponding disposal locations are listed below. This is not an exhaustive list; if you have questions, contact 250-352-8161 or RRDept@rdck.bc.ca
MATERIALDISPOSAL LOCATION(S)COST
Automotive batteries and propane tanksRDCK landfill or transfer stationFree
Large appliances (fridge, range, freezer, etc.)RDCK landfill or transfer station (except Ymir and Boswell)Free
Household hazardous waste and electronic waste (materials accepted listed here)Nelson Leafs Eco Depot
or a Household Hazardous Waste Event		Free
General refuseRDCK landfill or transfer stationStandard tipping fees apply
Vehicle hulkAuto wreckerDepends on location,
often free
Dangerous materials (biohazardous waste, explosives, flares, radioactive materials, etc.)DO NOT DISTURB and contact RCMP immediately

If you are interested in organizing a community-led cleanup, you can apply for tipping fees at RDCK facilities to be covered by completing and submitting an application form. Please read the form in its entirety and do not haul any materials until you receive approval, as staff will provide additional disposal information and the approved waiver must be presented at the disposal facility.

There is a limited amount of funding available each year, funding will be released on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contact Information

(250) 352-8161

rrdept@rdck.bc.ca