Family says Abbotsford, B.C., business has become target for illegal dumping

An Abbotsford family business is fed up with illegal dumping, which is happening on their property about once a week.

The owners of Future Climates Refrigeration, a family-run business in B.C.’s Fraser Valley, say the property has become a hot spot for illegal dumping – and they want answers.

On Labour Day, a man was caught on surveillance video pulling a pickup truck into the Abbotsford business’ parking lot and unloading a haul of garbage.

Emma McCauley, parts manager for Future Climates Refrigeration, said the last thing she wanted to do after returning from the long weekend was clean up after someone else.

“You’re watching this on the camera and you’re like, I got to deal with that tomorrow, and it’s not even my mess,” said McCauley.

There was trash strewn throughout the property, she said, including kitchen appliances, children’s toys and clothing – even underwear.

McCauley described the scene as “pretty gross.”

She told CTV News this is, unfortunately, a common occurrence. There have been around 50 instances of illegal dumping at Future Climates Refrigeration over the last year, according to the family.

“Once a week, someone will drive up here and dump their own garbage in our bin,” McCauley said.

Despite having cameras, and signs that warn, “No illegal dumping,” the behaviour has continued – even after the family tried locking their dumpsters.

“They’ll cut the locks,” McCauley said. “And they’ll jump right into the dumpster and they’ll take stuff out, and they’ll just leave it here for us to clean up.”

CTV News reached out to Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens. A city spokesperson said, in a statement, no formal reports to the city have been made about illegal dumping at Future Climates Refrigeration or the complex where it’s located.

In a statement, Siemens encouraged anyone who experiences illegal dumping to come forward, noting if there is a licence plate then the city’s bylaw officers “can issue a warning/education and/or fines as warranted.”

Abbotsford residents and businesses in Abbotsford can report illegal dumping online or via the city’s app. Incidents can also be reported by phone to the Abbotsford Operations Yard at 604-853-5485.