In his last act as the North Island’s only conservation officer, Tim Schumacher said he wants people to know the hunt for those who illegally dump items into wooded or out of the way areas is still on.
“It’s very difficult to combat illegal dumping because a lot of the people are moving or are transient and people don’t report them,” he said.
“But if they are caught, $1 million is the maximum fine.”
Schumacher, who was transferred to Whistler last week, said he was disgusted by the amount of waste being illegally dumped.
“We see it all too often here on the North Island,” he said.
“It boggles my mind why someone would dump them off a logging road when the landfill takes them for free.”
Schumacher said he was left shaking his head at the recent discovery of a refrigerator — with the door left on — and a child’s toy stove were among the items thrown in the bush near the landfill.
“This isn’t the first time we’ve seen illegal dumping roads near the landfill when 7 Mile actually takes these appliances for free,” he said.
“It’s just people being disgusting.”
Schumacher said the illegal dumping goes on year round.
“On any logging road you can pretty much find illegal dumping,” he said.
The 7 Mile landfill takes all recyclable items free of charge, including yard waste, appliances, tires, etc.
“People dumping yard waste is also an offence,” said Schumacher.
“It can introduce exotic species as well as creating dump sites. It starts with yard waste, someone else dumps some leaves with the plastic bags and before you know it it’s an old couch.”
Schumacher urges anyone with information about illegal dumping or any other environmental offences should call 1-877-952-7277, or #RAPP on a cell phone.