If you come across hazardous waste like asbestos, stay away and call for help

One of several dumped bags in Burnaby labelled as containing 'asbestos' was left partially open

BURNABY (NEWS 1130) – A large pile of construction debris containing asbestos has been dumped in Burnaby.

People living in the area of Eton and Cambridge Streets say the bags had been laying in the middle of their alley since Sunday. One of the bags was left partially open.

Assistant Fire Chief Dave Younger says city staff have hired an outside company to get rid of the waste.

“Any kind of dumping is irresponsible… This is just dumping at a higher degree because supposedly, it contains asbestos — or, it’s labelled that way.”

He has a reminder for neighbours tempted to take action. “I would just advise people to stay away from it and contact authorities like ourselves.”

Crews are expected to remove the debris sometime on Tuesday.

Illegal dumping carries a number of penalties, including fines.

– With files from Breakfast Television Vancouver