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Let's Talk Trash: Trash Bash helps nature spring clean

To leave the world better than you found it, sometimes you have to pick up other people’s trash ~ Bill Nye the Science Guy This can be a tough truth to swallow, but every year upwards of 200 Powell Riverites volunteer to do just that at the annual Tr
Let's Talk Trash Team
Let's Talk Trash
COASTAL CLEANUP: Powell River’s Trash Bash returns to Willingdon Beach for its 13th annual edition on Saturday, May 5. Illegally dumped trash picked up by volunteers can be dropped off from 9:30 am to 3 pm. Contributed photo

To leave the world better than you found it, sometimes you have to pick up other people’s trash ~ Bill Nye the Science Guy

This can be a tough truth to swallow, but every year upwards of 200 Powell Riverites volunteer to do just that at the annual Trash Bash. Dump sites on coastal trails, back alleys, beaches and even under the water are cleaned up each spring and disposal fees are paid for by Powell River Regional District.

We all talk about loving up the planet on Earth Day in late April (or Earth Month, as is the case in Powell River), but what about the other days of the year? Do we just trash the planet? Or walk by litter in our parks?

Illegal dumping is beyond an eyesore. With items such as batteries being thrown into marine ways and oil drums left in the backcountry, dump sites can be toxic and dangerous.

By doing our small part, we can make a big difference. Downloading the TrashOut app before a trek into our beautiful backcountry is an easy way to be equipped for being part of the solution. TrashOut allows users to take a photo of illegal dump sites to automatically GPS locate them on a map accessible to all users. These maps are then used at events such as Trash Bash to easily locate trash.

This year’s 13th annual Trash Bash is scheduled for Saturday, May 5. Volunteers are the reason for its great success in years past, with between 10 and 15 tonnes of illegally dumped trash collected. Residents are once again invited to select any site they have noticed around town and clean it up anytime on or before May 5.

Anyone who delivers collected trash to Willingdon Beach gravel field between 9:30 am and 3 pm will be invited to share in a locally-sourced lunch and also be eligible for prize draws.

This year, Trash Bash is going back to basics and only collecting illegally dumped trash, rather than any residential items. There is no need to register in advance. Groups or individuals can bring whatever has been collected.

Trash collects trash, so the more diligent everyone is with cleanups, the less likely an area is to become a future trash can.

Anyone who witnesses illegal trashing should call the Report All Polluters and Poachers (RAPP) hotline at 1.877.952.RAPP(7277).

Let’s Talk Trash is Powell River Regional District’s waste-management education program.