To the Editor,
Re: Dumping case provides hope, Opinion, Dec. 11.
I disagree that tough punishment is the only deterrent to illegal dumping.
I learned, on my first trip to the dump this weekend, how various items would require me to visit three different sites for disposal (e.g., drywall, paint cans).
In addition, the cost was prohibitive, reaching nearly $50 (including gas) and a good three hours of time.
As the editorial mentions, “one has to be caught redhanded,” I would argue high fines are a poor deterrent.
Unfortunately, they appear to be the default rallying cry for concerned citizens and eco-nimbyists who view the transgressors as morally depraved.
I will avoid my standard rant regarding class elements at play here, and simply question why this disencentive (to doing what we all would rather do) is omitted from the discussion.
Dare I say the fear of exposing our own privilege might be the real impediment to stopping illegal dumping?
Jordan Gail
Lantzville