FlashCAMs are part of an Award-Winning Illegal Trash Dumping Program

The city of Pittsburg, CA won The National League of Cities Municipal Excellence award for their illegal trash dumping program. Pittsburg was one of 3 California cities that won an award. Q-Star is proud to be a partner in the City of Pittsburg’s successful, and now nationally recognized, program.

Pittsburg’s anti-dumping program involves signage, school programs, Code Enforcement, and the use of FlashCAMs. For example, in one trouble spot--a remote cul de sac--trucks and dumpsters were required weekly to clean up illegally dumped items. A FlashCAM was installed and the dumping stopped. The city placed signage around town with a number to call to report illegal dumping. This effort is to complement a brochure that describes the problem, the cost of clean up, and how residents can be part of the solution by reporting when they witness dumping.

The city also promoted a poster and video contest in the local schools. The “Don’t Trash Pittsburg! Pick up litter ~ Recycle bottles, glass, cans & paper” contest winners had their artwork displayed as a poster at local businesses and schools. The video public service announcement was aired on local TV channels. The city believes that changing children’s behavior now will help eliminate the problem when they become adults.

As a result of this comprehensive program, the city has seen a major decline in illegal dumping, graffiti, litter and blight in the community. One measure of success: the city can reassign two employees to other tasks. For more information about Pittsburg’s program, contact Laura Wright at lwright@ci.pittsburg.ca.usThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it.

California offers New Program to battle Illegal Tire Dumping

The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) in Sacramento is implementing an innovative program to help cities and counties in California to reduce illegal tire dumping. Californians generate about 33 million waste tires each year. If stacked end to end these tires would reach halfway around the world. A tire takes about 80 years to deteriorate in a landfill so it is really important that tire disposal is handled properly.

The CIWMB has $6,000,000 available to local enforcement agencies through a grant program to provide funds to assist with the enforcement and surveillance of illegal dumping areas. Through this grant program the CIWMB in conjunction with the Air Resources Board, provides surveillance equipment (a FlashCAM-880 or other type of equipment) for loan and will assist with the purchase of camera systems. The CIWMB provides technical support to a community to help reduce illegal tire dumping. The fees that consumers pay to assure the old tire is disposed of legally fund this program. For more information about this program go to www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Tires

Large Texas city on a quest to quell illegal trash dumping

Houston, TX is a diverse and international city because of its many academic institutions and strong industries. Along with big city statistics come big city challenges. The Mayor and the Houston Police Department have made it a priority to clamp down on graffiti, illegal trash dumping and other anti-social behaviors. Dozens of FlashCAM systems are used to deter illegal trash dumping. The systems are installed in trouble spots around the city where tires, couches, mattresses, and other household items were being dumped. The illegal dumping has declined dramatically since the FlashCAMs have been deployed. Plus there’s the bonus of running off drug dealers. Officer Jack Hanigriff’s tactics include installing a surveillance system and a warming sign. Jack commented, “FlashCAMs are very effective.” While attempts have been made by the “bad guys” to damage or destroy the FlashCAMs, the ruggedized systems continue to function well even with a dent or two. Houston PD recently upgraded some of their systems to digital wireless FlashCAM-880s.

Code Enforcement Board Issues $500 Citations for Illegal Dumping

The City of Louisville, KY is using some well thought out and effective tactics to stop illegal trash dumping. To scale the enormity of the illegal dumping problem, this city installs a FlashCAM-880 system for two-three weeks at a chronic dumping location, followed by a look-a-like dummy unit. Then the FlashCAM is moved to a different location.

Pete Flood, Code Enforcement Inspector says, “Everyone wants a FlashCAM for their alley or street. Public acceptance of our program has been excellent.” The city has set up a code enforcement board and is now issuing $500 citations to offenders getting caught by the cameras illegally dumping.

FlashCAM deters and “catches” illegal dumpers

“The FlashCAM has been a great aid to not only deter, but also catch people who have been dumping as well as vandalizing certain areas of the Town of Babylon, NY,” said Shazeeda Collie, Code Enforcement. “In one case we set up the FlashCAM in a desolate area where large quantities are dumped and it has helped to alleviate the issue greatly. We are very pleased with the system and since it is so easily transportable, it allows us to move the unit where needed. The town has ended up ordering 2 more FlashCAMs. Thanks for introducing us to an ideal piece of equipment.”

Case Studies: Vandalism and Thefts