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Hazards- Illegal Dumping

Hazards- Illegal Dumping

Illegal dumping is the act of disposing of waste materials in an unapproved location. This act has negative effects on the environment, public health, and the economy. In this article, we will examine some of the consequences of illegal dumping and its effects on communities.

One of the most significant consequences of illegal dumping is the negative impact on the environment. Hazardous waste materials can leak into the soil and contaminate groundwater, which can harm the ecosystem and wildlife. Illegal dumping can also contribute to air pollution, as waste materials can release toxic fumes when they decompose.

Another consequence of illegal dumping is the negative impact on public health. Waste materials, especially hazardous waste, can pose a threat to human health, leading to various diseases and illnesses. Dumped waste can also attract vermin, such as rats and mosquitoes, which can carry diseases.

Illegal dumping also has a detrimental effect on the economy. The cost of cleaning up illegal dump sites can be significant, and this cost is often borne by taxpayers. Additionally, illegal dump sites can lead to a decline in property values, which can negatively affect the local economy.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), illegal dumping has become a significant problem in the United States. In 2018, there were over 25,000 illegal dump sites identified in the country. The EPA estimates that illegal dumping costs the country between $10 billion and $70 billion each year in cleanup costs, lost revenue, and other expenses.

 

In conclusion, illegal dumping has far-reaching consequences that affect the environment, public health, and the economy. Preventing illegal dumping requires a collaborative effort between government agencies, law enforcement, and community members. By taking proactive measures to prevent illegal dumping, we can protect our environment, promote public health, and safeguard our economy.

 

 

 

 

 

Illegal Dumping Strategies

Illegal Dumping Strategies

Every city needs an Illegal Dumping Enforcement Program with a well thought out strategy.

Illegal Dumping is a worldwide epidemic, which is surprising considering the amount of awareness there appears to be.  There has been a lot of news and education regarding protecting the environment.  Are people aware that illegal dumping harms the environment and the communities?  It is hard to assess.  What is the most prevalent source of illegal dumping? Again, hard to assess.

According to Washington County, Ohio, the most items found are furniture, tires, roofing shingles, and disposable diapers. Some donation centers no longer accept furniture, due to the possible infestation of bugs that harbor within.  This along with large items being restricted in the weekly trash pickup makes it difficult for some people to dispose of the large items appropriately.  The tire and roof shingle dumping is usually committed by commercial companies that know they are committing a crime but are illegally dumping anyway.

These factors need to be considered when implementing the Illegal Dumping Enforcement Program.

  • Are there enough legal waste disposal sites?
  • Are there programs in place to rally the disposal of hazardous waste, and large items?
  • Are there educational programs in place to raise awareness of the programs in place and the hazards associated with illegal dumping?
  • Are the fines high enough to discourage illegal dumping?
  • Have Illegal Dumping Cameras been deployed at the sites?
  • Do the Illegal Dumping Cameras capture images and license plates?
  • Are the Illegal Dumping Cameras vandal resistant?
  • Are the Illegal Dumping Cameras able to be placed in remote areas where no electricity or internet connection is available?

These factors can be a deal breaker and should carefully be considered when forming the strategy to stop illegal dumping.

 

Take Control of Illegal Dumping

Take Control of Illegal Dumping

Illegal dumping is creating an environmental health hazard and must be controlled.

Water is the life of our community and both humans and animals cannot live without it.  Unfortunately, our water sources are under attack by pollutants on every side.  One of the worst cases is illegal dumping, which occurs in almost every city and district.

Even though most communities have resources to remove and depose of trash and unwanted items, people still choose to illegally dump.  The perpetrators are both households and commercial companies.  All items left in areas not intended for dumping cause an environmental hazard but some of the worst are batteries, tires, and asbestos.

The most corrosive items end up in our water supplies.  Think about it.  Asbestos known to cause severe health problems, including cancer, is making its way into our water because someone chose to illegally dump a corrosive pipe from the 1980s that was asbestos cement. Most likely, the person who committed this illegal dumping crime did not know the pipe was asbestos cement, but they did know that they were illegally dumping the pipe Instead of taking it to the appropriate facility to dispose of it in a safe manner.

This frustrating and serious health hazard must be stopped.  Each community must create an Illegal Dumping Enforcement Program!

Empower, stand your ground, take control of illegal dumping!

Illegal Dumping Contaminates Soil

Illegal Dumping Contaminates Soil

Illegal waste contains hazardous substances and chemicals that contaminate and pollute the soil and eventually infect the ground water.

Soil is a mixture of minerals and life forms that benefit all life on the earth.  When children play outside and soil is everywhere, it is logical that some of the soil will be ingested and inhaled.  Because most food is grown using soil, polluted soil affects the food supply.  Contaminates can be absorbed through skin when the wind picks up the soil and carries it.

When the contaminates filter through the soil it can work its way into the ground water polluting the very water used for drinking.

Also, Illegal disposal of waste pollutes the surrounding area and will poison natural habitats causing death to life in a wide area.

It is essential that illegal dumping be stopped, and the environment be protected for the sake of health and the communities’ wellbeing.

How can the problem of illegal dumping and soil contamination stop?

Each community must create an Illegal Dumping Enforcement Program.

  • Educate:

The people within the community should know more about what an illegal dumping health crisis is, how the contaminated soil will hurt them, and where the soil is being affected.

  • Enforce:

Enforce with  Illegal Dumping Cameras . These cameras catch the dumpers in the act and record license plates even in complete darkness.

Stop illegal dumping and protect the soil!