Illegal Dumping Program-Success or Lacking?

Is your Illegal Dumping Program a success or is it lacking?

Illegal dumping has been on the radar for most communities.  The hazard to the environment is escalating and needs to be addressed, as this is an environmental crime.  The hazards include diseases carried by vermin, toxic pollution entering our drinking water, and lower property values for both residents and businesses.

Neglectfully, people discard tires, appliances, and other items in authorized dumping sites.  These unlawfully dumped objects collect debris and water through rain and dew.  The collected water becomes a beacon for mosquitos, rats, and mice.  The vermin take shelter and breed in the pile up.  The concern is the diseases these vermin carry and spread to the community.

In addition to disease, is a toxic pollution concern.  Within the pile, the objects decompose and breakdown, leaking chemicals that seep into the soil and contaminate the water sources that provide drinking water.

And then there is the plunging property values.  If the dirty piles are not enough to scare people away from the neighborhood, the thought of disease and toxic pollution will.  The community can no longer attract new residents and businesses will shy away from a hard pressed neighborhood.

Communities usually clean up illegal dump sites as quickly as they can, which is costly, but it usually comes back.  An East Oakland resident laminated that “They clean, and the next day it is full [of garbage] again”

There has to be more than just cleaning up the site.  There has to be stiff fines to deter and the right tool to capture the evidence needed to stand up in court.  Traditional surveillance does not provide all the necessities that an illegal dumping program needs.

For the community Illegal Dumping Program to be successful and not lacking, departments must work together.

Education

Community highlights, social media, and partnerships with schools.

Legislation

Communities are calling for stiffer fines, especially for commercial companies.

Staff Resources

A well trained, dedicated staff to oversee the program is a must.

Tools

Reliable, tamperproof evidence is needed.   Illegal dumping enforcement cameras, designed to capture prosecutable images in complete darkness in remote areas.

Enforcement

Deter through enforcement.

Don’t be lacking, give your Illegal Dumping Program what it needs for success!