There’s good news and bad news in the management of solid waste in the area.
In Salmon Arm between January to April, recycling overall increased by 28 per cent and curbside pick-up was up 30 per cent since the program’s inception in January.
“We’re pleased, the numbers are up,” says Darcy Mooney, Columbia Shuswap Regional District’s deputy manager environment and engineering, who notes collection of recyclables is down by about 20 per cent at Bill’s Bottle Depot. “What that means is we have new participation.”
But it is those who refuse to participate in waste management programs that regional district staff and conservation officers have in their sights.
“Illegal dumping sites are still a problem,” says Mooney. “We are monitoring large sites and will be clamping down with enforcement, particularly on a large site in Sicamous.”
Mooney is asking that members of the public help end illegal dumping, including construction and demolition debris, by calling the province’s Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277 or #7277 on a cellphone.
Visit www.env.gov.bc.ca for information on reporting and rewards available through the BC Wildlife Federation.
Those with concerns may also call waste management co-ordinator Ben Van Nostrand at 250-832-8194.17:12:16