The recent dumping of the contents of a home which was likely being used as a marijuana grow-op highlights the ongoing problem of illegal dumping in Mission, says public works operations manager Matt Dunham.
Garbage bags found along Dewdney Trunk Road near Welch Street contained what could have been most of the contents of an average home. Lightly populated rural areas, and many side streets, offer remote locations for dumpers to get rid of trash instead of taking it to the disposal facility.
The landfill at 32000 Dewdney Truck Road is, ironically, located in the same rural area where the recent load of garbage was found. The Mission landfill accepts typical municipal solid waste, including household waste, furniture, appliances, residential renovation waste, green waste and scrap metal.
A minimum charge of $5 per load applies to all residential and commercial loads received from Mission and Fraser Valley Regional District Electoral Areas C, F and G.
The dump site is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.
Dunham and his crews have to keep dealing with illegally dumped materials. Prosecution under municipal bylaws is rare, because people have to be seen in the act of dumping.
He says citizens can be of great assistance if they are able to get licence numbers of vehicles involved in dumping garbage along roads. They can call the public works office at 604-820-3761 with tips.