Illegal dumping spurs recommendation to close Ord Road depot

Nov 18, 2016 | 3:40 PM

KAMLOOPS — City of Kamloops staff say illegal dumping at the Ord Road recycling depot has become so bad, it makes more sense to close the site than keep it open.

Staff will recommend closure at next week’s regular Kamloops council meeting.

Streets and Environmental Services Manager Glen Farrow says this site is not staffed, and it seems people are taking advantage of anonymity.

“With this particular site we have seen constant illegal dumping, graffiti, and endless amounts of garbage being thrown around the depot,” explained Farrow.

Farrow notes, for many of the items being dumped at the Ord depot, drop off is free at city landfills.

“Often [people say] because of tipping fees increasing, we are seeing illegal dumping increasing. I don’t believe that is the case at all.”

“We are seeing a lot of yard waste, TV’s, metal, electronics, excess cardboard. A lot of things that can be disposed of for free across the community at the appropriate location.”

He says residents will still have plenty of options for recycling, including their curbside bins, city landfills, or the Bunker Road recycling depot.