A resurgence of illegal dumping at Sicamous’ Main Street recycle depot has spurred Mayor Terry Rysz to move the bins sooner than later.
“I’m still adamant about getting those damned things off of Main Street,” says Rysz. “We have to find another spot for them for sure.”
Lately, the Main Street recycle depot has seen recyclables and other refuse left behind after hours. Rysz said he will be working with the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, which manages the bins, to find another home for them.
“We’ll be having this discussion with the CSRD and we will try to find another spot for them in town because this is the entrance of our town,” said Rysz. “What’s happening is, unfortunately, when those bins are not attended, people come by and they realize there are no attendants… and they just drop their stuff off.”
CSRD environmental health services team leader Ben Van Nostrand suggested the upswing in illegal dumping at the Sicamous depot – and elsewhere in the regional district – has to do with the influx of summer visitors/residents. Van Nostrand says people have to treat the recycle depot as any other business and drop their stuff off when its open. Alternatively, recyclables can be dropped off at the Sicamous transfer station on 2 Mile Road is. The recycle depot open from Wednesday to Friday from noon to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The transfer station is open 10 to 4 p.m., Friday to Tuesday.
“So I think we’ve got good coverage in Sicamous,” said Van Nostrand. “People just need to work with us and read the signs and help us keep it where it is.”
Rysz said the dog park may be an option for the recycle depot. He also suggested an area behind Parkland Mall.