Prince George council explores bulky item pickup to curb illegal dumping

“This is an issue in our city for many years, the amount of materials that we discover abandoned in the bush, in the parks, all over the place,” Scott said during council discussions. “And it’s not right.”

Illegal dumping has been a recurring concern in Prince George, with discarded household goods commonly found in green spaces and on the outskirts of the city. While enforcement and cleanup efforts continue, Scott and others believe expanding disposal options could help address the problem at its source.

Acting Mayor Ron Polillo acknowledged the issue may not be as severe as it was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but said it remains a concern worth addressing.

“Maybe not as big an issue as perhaps during COVID times, but I still think illegal dumping is an issue,” Polillo said. “And really, a reason behind even discussing this motion — because I think if we can implement it, it will reduce illegal dumping around the city of Prince George and the outskirts.”

Beyond environmental concerns, councillors also pointed to accessibility challenges faced by some residents. Not everyone has the means to transport bulky items to disposal sites, particularly seniors or those without access to a vehicle.

“And there are many people who don’t have the wherewithal — literally — to get to a recycling centre,” Scott said. “I think personally of the seniors in our community who may not drive, who have items that they need to let go of, they want to let go of, but they have no way to do it.”

A curbside collection program could help close that gap, making it easier for residents to responsibly dispose of large items without relying on private hauling services or informal solutions.

While there was general support at the council table for exploring the idea, questions remain about how such a program would be implemented and how much it would cost.

“Personally, I think it’s a good idea,” Polillo said. “I do have some concerns about how to implement it and how much it can cost us. But generally, I like the idea, and I think it’s worth at least staff pursuing it and bringing back a report.”

Instead of approving the motion outright, council opted to direct staff to study the proposal further. Staff have been asked to prepare a report in time for the 2027 budget deliberations, outlining possible approaches to a large-item disposal program.

That report will include operational considerations, potential service impacts, estimated costs, and different delivery models that could be used. It will also examine current service calls related to illegal dumping, along with the associated costs to the city.

The goal, councillors say, is to better understand whether a bulky item pickup program would be a cost-effective way to reduce both illegal dumping and barriers to proper waste disposal.

In the meantime, residents will have to continue using existing options, including landfill drop-offs and private disposal services.

But for some on council, the discussion marks a step toward a more accessible and potentially more environmentally responsible system.

If approved in the future, Prince George would join a number of municipalities that already offer periodic bulky item pickup, often timed for spring and fall, when residents are most likely to clean out homes and yards.

Council’s upcoming review will determine whether a similar approach could work locally — and whether it would deliver enough environmental and social benefits to justify the cost.

by Cheryl Jahn

Prince George council explores bulky item pickup to curb illegal dumping

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