Eleven events and going strong – with strength needed, as this year’s rendition of the Sunshine Coast Regional District’s (SCRD) Backroad Trash Bash collected 3,880 kilograms of illegally dumped waste. The gathering took place on Sept. 21, when 31 volunteers assembled to pick up litter and larger illegally dumped items from 30 sites from Halfmoon Bay to Roberts Creek.
“Materials found at the dump sites included tires, electronic waste, furniture, appliances, metal, and household garbage. Of the materials collected refrigerators, TVs and microwaves are recyclable for free at a local depot. Some of the tires, like off rim passenger tires are also accepted for free at local tire shops four at a time," an Oct. 1 press release from the SCRD noted.
According to the release, those volunteers included community residents, members of the Sunshine Coast Four Wheel Drive Association Club and Sunshine Coast Dirt Bike Association, and representatives from Salish Soils and the local government itself. A special shout out to the Sechelt Lions Club was included for assisting with event set up and preparation of the lunch, which was provided to volunteers as a small reward for their efforts.
Manager of solid waste services, Marc Sole said via the statement, “We are thrilled with the excellent turn out and community spirit at this year’s event and are grateful for everyone’s hard work cleaning up the illegal dump sites. It is events like this that help create cleaner, safer, healthier, and more vibrant communities for our residents and businesses.”
Year-round, the public is encouraged by the SCRD to report illegal dumpsites to the Conservation Officer Service Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277 or online https://forms.gov.bc.ca/environment/rapp/. Details on how to clean up an illegal dump site year-round on the lower Sunshine Coast is available on www.scrd.ca.
