Illegal dumping is the improper disposal of waste at any location other than a permitted landfill or special facility. It is the most common environmental crime, and leads to significant degradation of the area if left unchecked.

It has a negative economic impact on the community and has been linked to a rise in other types of crime through the “Broken Windows” theory.

What kinds of items are illegally dumped? 

• construction and demolition debris ( shingles, lumber, bricks, concrete, siding, drywall)
• large appliances
• abandoned vehicles, automobile parts and tires
• old, used, or soiled furniture ( mattresses, couches, etc.)
• leaf and grass clippings
• household garbage
• medical waste
• household hazardous waste products (cleaners, paint, motor oil, asbestos, etc.)

What are the effects of illegal dumping?

• Environmental impacts - disrupts and destroys nature
• Social costs - can lead to degradation of neighborhoods
• Health costs
• Financial costs

Why do people dump illegally?

• Illegal dumpers may not be aware that dumping waste is illegal or they could be trying to avoid costs and steps to properly dispose of waste.

Through several programs, including education, enforcement and abatement, the city can help clean up this problem and hopefully prevent it from returning to your area.

• Keep an eye on any vulnerable areas, such as dead-end streets, vacant lots and abandoned buildings.
• If necessary, a location that is repeatedly hit can have barriers put in place to discourage dumping.
• Creating activity in such areas, such as installing a ‘pocket park’ on a vacant lot, can also help discourage criminal activity of all types.

• Contact the Police Department and make sure they are aware of vulnerable areas or spots that are regularly dumped on.
• Illegal Dumping inspectors can also investigate the trash to look for identifying material, or possibly set up cameras to track and prosecute dumpers. To request their services, contact 311.

• Organizing a Neighborhood Crime Watch for your area can be one of the most effective ways to stop a dumping problem – once they know people are watching and reporting, dumpers will often move on!

Not all dumping comes from ‘outside’ the neighborhood, though. Make sure you and your neighbors know what to do with various kinds of solid waste:

• Trash – if you have more than two bags, buy a tag
• Bulky items – request a collection appointment
• Leaf and brush – collection is limited to certain times of year, but curbside pickup is available
• Waste tires
•  Household hazardous waste
  

Cleaning up illegal dumping is a good way to prevent more trash from accumulating on top of the original mess. Report the dump site to 311 and the city will work to get it cleaned, funds permitting.