Illegal Dumping- Help!
Spring is a refreshing time of the year. The grass is green, the sun is shining, and there are nice rainy days that bring freshness to the air. Spring showers are great for the environment, water rejuvenates the earth and makes it look healthier. Spring showers bring a wave of freshness through the air, but unfortunately that’s not the only thing they bring.
Spring showers bring more water, which is a great thing, but not when it mixes with illegal dumping. Illegal dumping is a terrible crime that destroys our environment; it ruins the sense of freshness and turns it into disgust. When it rains and there are illegal dump sites that contain trash, metal, and especially tires, it’s a recipe for disaster.
When piles of trash are dumped and it rains, the trash collects water. Water mixed with trash creates the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. The water creates a nice dark, pool and is the perfect climate that mosquitoes need to be able to lay and hatch hundreds of eggs. These mosquitoes can carry deadly diseases that can be transmitted to humans, who are bitten and become the host.
Illegal dumping sustains the problem of mosquito diseases being spread in the United States. This problem affects the people of all communities which are being targeted for dumping.
Deter and minimize Illegal dumping in your community:
- Staff Resources: Every city needs staff that is dedicated and trained in illegal dumping. This includes the authority to educate the public, respond and investigate complaints, and prosecute.
- Educate: Educate your community about the dangers of illegal dumping and the consequences both environmentally and fines.
- Provide Hot lines: Hot lines are a very resourceful tool that every city should have available. When a citizen sees an act of illegal dumping, they can call, text or email information to the Enforcers.
- Legislation: Every city needs laws to combat illegal dumping
- Tools to help: Illegal dumping cameras. These cameras are specifically designed to provide prosecutable evidence needed in the war of illegal dumping.