KAMLOOPS — No, it isn’t a swap meet.
From TV’s and mattresses, right down to weed-eaters and kids toys, the Ord Road recycling depot has become a regular dumping ground during the last six years.
Signs may warn of illegal dumping fines but the rubble still continues to pile up.
Today city staff addressed council about the ongoing problem.
“We have some high costs on what it wold cost to put up better gates, fencing, cameras, lights, all the bells and whistles of a proper sight and what how a proper site should be,” says Glen Farrow, Streets and Environmental Services Manager for the City of Kamloops. “Those costs, they increase dramatically. 50 to 60 thousand dollars is what it would come up to.”
Some councillors say the closure of the eyesore doesn’t solve the real issue.
“I actually anticipate you may find people doing some bush dumping,” warns City Councillor Dieter Dudy. “It’s a very real concern because they’ll be too busy to take it to to next depot.”
According to Farrow, laziness is one of many factors contributing to the rubble at the Ord Road recycling depot.
“There’s a variety of reasons,” says Farrow. “Some would speak to our landfill tipping fees, some would say laziness, some would say convenience of an area kind of tucked out of the way.”
And the there’s awareness.
Farrow says some residents may not realize a number of items, including batteries, propane tanks, metal pieces, and small appliances can be dropped off at the Mission Hills or Barnhartvale landfill for free.
He also adds General Grants Recycling Centre is one of two privately owned recycling depots who accept a number of used items including microwaves and TV, with the city running three of its own.
Despite the pile of trash at the Ord Road Depot, Farrow says he believes many Kamloopsians still care about recycling.
“I think recycling in Kamloops is very successful right now.”
Meanwhile, Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar says the Ord Road Depot, which is scheduled to close January 1, 2017 is proof the city still has a way to go.
“The reality is the people who are using these sites are not using them for recycling. They’re using them to illegally dump garbage”
