Abandoned camper underscores illegal dumping problem in Central Okanagan

KELOWNA – They had to use a tow truck to get rid of a piece of garbage, an old camper, illegally dumped up Postill Lake Road today.

The regional waste reduction office says it recently learned through social media of the dumped camper. The camper is just the tip of a much larger problem though and they have a map of illegal dumping hotspots in the Central Okanagan to prove it.

“In every case, something’s being dumped where it doesn’t belong. Not only is it an ugly blight on nature, but the mess left behind can also create wildfire and other environmental hazards, not to mention endangering wildlife. Plus it’s immensely costly to clean up, most often at taxpayer’s expense,” waste reduction facilitator for the Central Okanagan Regional District Rae Stewart says.

Despite low cost or free disposal options, Stewart says illegal dumping is a growing problem in the Central Okanagan.

“There are definitely a number of hot spots in our region that get hit by chronic dumping and require regular clean up.”

Stewart says local tow company Mario’s Towing offered to pull the camper out of the bush and take it to the Glenmore Landfill. While the tow truck could get in this time, the district sometimes need to bring in a helicopter to remove vehicles dumped in remote areas.

"It’s a beautiful wilderness corridor that’s heavily frequented by outdoor groups and nature enthusiasts, so for someone to sully it with their garbage is a real travesty. And the longer the camper sits there, the worse the problem becomes. Unfortunately, garbage begets more garbage. Some people see a pile and think they can just add to it,” Stewart says.

She urges local residents to report illegal dumping and dump sites by filling out an online form or calling the office at 250-469-6250.

To contact the reporter for this story, email John McDonald at jmcdonald@infonews.ca or call 250-808-0143. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.