Fines issued across B.C. for putting out garbage night before

If you think you can put out your garbage the night before pickup, you might face a fine from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, which is patrolling B.C. neighbourhoods.

Officers in Nanaimo last week issued violation tickets to people who put out their garbage about 12 hours before pickup.

“In a two-hour span from 5 to 7 p.m., CO's issued seven violation tickets to residents who had already left their garbage or compost bins out at the street where bears could access them,” the service posted on Facebook.

The Service said people are required by provincial law to secure all non-natural bear attractants.

“Bears that start with unsecured garbage on the street overnight often progress to raiding carports and garages, frequently causing property damage and risk to human safety.”