Garbage is causing a messy problem at garbage cans in public parks and along trails in the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen.

Regional district staff have noticed a growing issue of household waste being dumped in its garbage cans. The result is garbage cans overflowing with household waste and hazardous material, including animal carcasses.

鈥淕arbage cans in these locations are intended for guests using the park or trail,鈥� a statement from the regional district reads. 鈥淎s garbage cans are emptied on a limited basis, household waste that is disposed of in these locations can create an unsightly mess and attract wildlife, particularly bears.鈥�

Communities throughout the regional district have had problems as a result of wildlife attracted to garbage.

While garbage has been a problem at numerous sites, the most noticeable cases have been in and around parks in Electoral Area D (Okanagan Falls), Electoral Area E (Naramata), Electoral Area F (West Bench) and Electoral Area I (Kaleden), as well as throughout the regional district trails network.

鈥淭he RDOS is committed to maintaining parks and trails for all residents and visitors,鈥� said regional district chair Mark Pendergraft. 鈥淏y working together, we can ensure our parks and trails remain clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.鈥�

Parks and trail users are being urged not to dispose of household waste in public garbage cans. Instead, they are asked to use their curbside collection service or take household waste to a landfill or recycling facility. 

Improper waste removal should be reported to the regional district.