We have come under fire for a recent Under the Glacier cartoon (see attached), which suggested that one of the reasons for illegal dumping is high tipping fees.
According to a letter to the editor, penned by the CVRD, this is “a common misconception” as to why illegal dumping happens, and this cartoon “illustrates a myth.”
A local environmentalist also wrote a critical letter, calling us out for “perpetuating this false perception.”
We have no problem going on the record to admit when we are wrong.
Don’t expect an apology from us on this one though.
We fully support Bob Castle’s cartoon, because we know tipping costs are a reason for illegal dumping.
Don’t misinterpret this stance. We don’t believe tipping costs justify illegal dumping. In fact, we have written pieces in the past condemning the criminals who partake in the practice. (Yes, they are criminals: illegal dumping is a crime.)
That is not what the cartoon is saying. The cartoon is saying tipping fees are ONE REASON for illegal dumping. If the CVRD, or anyone else, can honestly say they believe no one illegally dumps garbage to avoid paying the costs associated with the proper removal of their trash, then we say they are naive.
People will go to many lengths to save money; trash removal is no different in that regard.
In fact, many jurisdictions will state professional contractors among the most prolific offenders. It’s not like they are doing it because they lost their map, and can’t find their way to the landfill.
And while the Comox Valley Regional District will not altogether admit it, Michael Dinesen, the bylaw compliance officer and illegal dumping program co-ordinator who penned the letter on Page 11 of the May 16 Record, does not altogether deny it, either.
In his own words, “Blaming the cost of tipping fees for illegal dumping is not only unreasonable, but in many cases is completely inaccurate…” (taken from the document CSWM launches illegal dumping prevention program, http://bit.ly/2pGPSOp).
We agree that it is unreasonable. However, when he says that illegal dumping due to the cost of tipping fees “…in many cases is completely inaccurate,” he implies that in some cases, it is accurate.
As Bob Castle said… ONE of the reasons.
–Terry Farrell