A Prince George resident has taken it upon himself to help clean up large garbage dumping areas around the city.

Don Willimont, Board of Director at Spruce City Wildlife Association (SCWA) and Operations Director at Wood Wheaton, has been cleaning up areas around PG with fellow staff members and volunteers for around two years.

Photo Credit: Don Willimont

Willimont is a hunter and spends a lot of his time in the backcountry.

Over the years, he discovered many large garbage sites where people would dump items anywhere from cars to household garbage.

“I kind of thought that it has to get done or it’s never going to. Someone has to do it,” said Willimont.

Photo Credit: Don Willimont

Willimont believes these large sites exist because people do not want to pay the tipping fee for proper disposal.

“I did seven full truck loads and it cost me $77. People have gone out of their way to avoid a $6 charge but they spend more on fuel to get there and back,” says Willimont.

In order to target new and large dumping sites, Willimont works closely with Conservation Officers.

“They will give me a spreadsheet that shows all of the reported dump sites. Around 11 sites were found last week,” said Willimont.

Photo Credit: Don Willimont

According to Willimont, these dumping sites have become a large problem because no one can be charged for illegal dumping unless caught in the act.

One of his recent cleanups gained a lot of attention after posting images and videos on Facebook.  

This has inspired SCWA to organize a community cleanup on Aug. 12.

On the cleanup day, volunteers from SCWA, Wood Wheaton and the community will be issued a tipping pass to ensure free disposal at all garbage sites.

To become a volunteer for the next cleanup, personal message Willimont on Facebook.

Thanks for keeping our community clean!