Community Clean-up Events

One of the best ways to deter illegal dumping is by keeping areas clean. Areas riddled with litter and dumped garbage are prone to illegal waste disposal activity. The CVRD supports individuals, non-profit societies, school districts and registered charities that volunteer to clean up litter and illegal dumpsites by waiving up to $1,000 of tipping fees for waste disposal at CVRD Recycling Centres. Community organizations can also be reimbursed up to $500 in community clean-up funds for the cost of supplies incurred during the clean-up project.

Tipping Fee Exemptions

Please refer to the accepted materials list to assist with sorting items before you bring the material to a CVRD Recycling Centre. Some materials are accepted free of charge (e.g. recyclables) while other materials such as furniture and mattresses will be counted towards the tipping fee exemption limit. 

Requirements for a Tipping Fee Exemption: see Schedule C of Bylaw 4412

• Tipping fee exemption eligibility: 
  • Individual residents or residential cleanup groups are eligible for up to $250 per clean-up project with a maximum of $5,000 per calendar year
  • Registered non-profit societies, registered charities, and school districts are eligible for up to $1,000 per clean-up project with a maximum of $15,000 per calendar year
• The clean-up must take place on public lands and/or waterways within the Cowichan Valley Regional District
  • For local organizations such as thrift stores that are subject to illegal dumping, the illegal dumping must take place on the store property
• Waste must be pre-sorted before it is brought to a CVRD Recycling Centre
• To receive a tipping exemption, you must submit a Tipping Fee Exemption Application form at least two weeks before your clean-up event date; clean-ups must be completed within one year of the application

Community Clean-up Funds

Community clean-up funds are available to non-profit groups, charities, or school districts to support specific waste clean-up projects and expenses for supplies used during the project (e.g. garbage bags, garbage retrieval tongs, gloves, hand sanitizer, beverages, snacks, etc.). Funds will vary (up to a maximum of $500) depending on the project's scope and measurable waste reduction.

Requirements for Community Clean-up Funding:

Following the clean-up project, submit a Community Cleanup Funds Application to RWM@cvrd.bc.ca. Please include:

• A brief description of the clean-up project
• Photocopies of expense receipts
• Before and after photos of the clean-up site
• Any examples of media coverage following the project

Applications will be responded to within 30 days.