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Community clean up to tackle illegal dumping

Pender Harbour

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is inviting all members of the community to participate in the third annual “Backroad Trash Bash” taking place on Saturday, Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lions Park Hall in Pender Harbour. This year, the event will focus on cleaning up illegal dumpsites in the Pender Harbour area.

“Last year we removed 10 tonnes of material from backroads,” said SCRD zero waste coordinator Robyn Cooper.

In 2013, the event received an overwhelmingly positive response as more than 55 people gathered to clean up trash illegally dumped at remote locations. Volunteers included residents, a team from Swanson’s Ready-Mix, members of the ATV Club and Sunshine Coast Geocachers (CITO), and staff from Capilano Highways, Telus, BC Conservation Service, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, BC Parks and the SCRD. Materials collected included household garbage, couches, tires, appliances, metal, and construction waste.

Last year, community volunteers were excited to participate in the “Bash” event, but hope the need for back road clean up events is a temporary one. During this year’s event, community volunteers will again work to relay the message that dumping trash in the woods is unacceptable.

“Some materials that are dumped can be disposed of for free under product stewardship programs such as electronics, tires and household hazardous waste,” adds Cooper.

Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Lions Park hall on Highway 101 across from the Pender Harbour Golf Club. Registration includes a free barbecue lunch by the Pender Harbour Rotary Club and a chance to win door prizes.

For more information and to pre-register, email trashbash@scrd.ca or call 604-885-6800.