FAQ

What areas in Mission can Adopt-A-Block volunteers adopt?
Adopt-A-Block recruits volunteers to adopt areas along streets and some green spaces in Mission. We do not recruit volunteers to adopt "private property" areas, nor along highways that are under provincial jurisdiction. (The Lougheed Hwy can be adopted through the Ministry of Transportation's Adopt-A-Highway program).

Volunteers may wish to adopt a ravine/stream area. While volunteers may clean the green space in these areas, they are not to enter the streambed, as the Department of Fisheries has strict guidelines on what one can and can not do in regards to pulling items out of the stream. Volunteers can request this information and obtain special permission from the DOF if they wish to pursue a stream clean-up.

What do I do with the litter I collect?
We suggest putting it in the garbage along side your curb side garbage. If you find that you are collecting more litter than able to discard in your curb side garbage, Adopt-A-Block can provide stickers to allow for one free garbage bag removal. If you live outside curb side collection, Adopt-A-Block can provide vouchers to take your litter bagged garbage to the Mission landfill.

Is all litter… garbage?
Not necessarily. Volunteers are encouraged to sort through collected litter and separate the recyclables. Residences receiving municipal refuse collection may put all DRY, clean recyclables in see-through blue bags for pick-up on garbage day. Commingled recyclables will be collected in unlimited numbers of bags and include: paper (newspaper, flyers, magazines), cardboard, glass (no broken glass please), metal cans and plastic containers (#'s 1, 2, &5). Residences NOT receiving municipal refuse collection may drop off their recyclable at Minnie's Pit free of charge.

Depending on where you collect litter, you may come across a range of items that are recyclable and/or toxic to the environment and/or hazardous - which require special attention with disposal. Here's what you can do if you find...

FREE DROP-OFF:

Batteries (Automotive)?
Drop off to Minnie's Pit (landfill) or take to the Mission Recycling Center

Household batteries?
Take to the Mission Recycling Depot (7229 Mershon St.)

Electronic waste?
Take to the Mission Recycling Depot

Flammable liquids?
Take to the Mission Recycling Depot

Gasoline & kerosene?
Take to the Mission Recycling Depot

Oil, oil filters, oil containers?
Take to Canadian Tire or Pioneer Chrysler Jeep

Paint, spray paint, paint thinner & stripper, etc.?
Take to the Mission Recycling Depot

What do I do if I come across litter caused by transient living (and or what appears to be an abandoned encampment)?

1. We suggest volunteers first ask themselves what should be done. Is this someone's house? Is someone still living here? (ethical issue)
2. Adopt-A-Block recognizes that the litter is not the first problem, it is the result from a socioeconomic problem - and if you are concerned about the encampment of homeless people that you have come across, we suggest notifying Mission Community Services for advice.
3. It may be suitable to contact the police if you are concerned about the encampment of homeless people in an area. The police are responsible for relocating these individuals. (The litter mess can be dealt with afterwards).
4. If the litter mess caused by transient living is on municipal land - The District of Mission's Public Works should be notified. Public works is equipped with staff and the equipment to properly deal with large litter sites (and illegal dumping).
5. If the litter mess is on private property, and becomes an 'unsightly mess', the District By-Law officer should be notified; the officer will then notify the owner to clean up the mess or be fined (with the removal costs).

What do I do if I come across a syringe while collecting litter?
The proper way to dispose of syringes is in a sharps container - provided by the Fraser Valley Health Unit and/or to bring syringes to the FVHU to dispose of. Syringes can also be taken to London Drugs and Shoppers Drug Mart to dispose of (free of charge). However, this may not be convenient to volunteers - so an easy way to dispose of syringes safely is to put them into a pop bottle and screw the lid on - so that, when you put them in the garbage, they will not poke through the bag and injure someone. Handle all syringes carefully! If volunteers are absolutely NOT comfortable dealing syringes, and if syringes are on public land, Public Works can be notified.

What do I do if I see large illegally dumped objects, like fridges, car parts, furniture, etc.?
Call the District of Mission's Public Works to report ALL illegal dumping.

What if I find my route is too difficult to clean, can I change my route?
Absolutely! Just call the office to inform the program coordinator of the changes you wish to make - so we know what new area(s) has been adopted.

What do I do, if I can no longer carry out the collection of litter on my route and/or if I move out of the district of Mission?
Please contact the office (604) 826-9423 and arrange to return your equipment. Each kit cost our non-profit ~ $60 to purchase - and we will recycle your kit to newly registered volunteers and/or use them in our general clean-ups. If you are moving out of Mission, and will no longer be collecting litter IN Mission - we ask also, that you return your kits, as Adopt-A-Block's litter program is only for Mission residents and individual who collect litter IN Mission. If we can, we will advise you of your new home town's litter control program contact.

What other Cities in the Lower Mainland have Adopt-A-Street Programs?
Click here for programs.