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Stop Illegal Dumping of E-Waste!

Stop Illegal Dumping of E-Waste!

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Illegal dumping is becoming a huge problem, specifically the unauthorized dumping of e-waste. Dumping occurs all throughout the nation, and it needs to be stopped before it causes more damage than what has already been done.

One of the more harmful effects of illegal dumping are fires. These fires that are caused by dumping occur from people dumping tires or hazard waste products that should have a proper disposal technique. When the waste, specifically electronic waste, is illegally dumped it is extremely harmful to the environment and its surroundings.

Electronic waste, or e-waste, is defined as “discarded electrical equipment”. When electronics are illegally dumped, it is very likely to cause a fire wherever the dump site may be. How do these e-waste fires start? The batteries inside of the electronics are very combustible and are very dangerous.

Illegal dumpers may think that their illegal deposit of waste is harmless, but it causes extreme consequences that hurt the environment through toxic pollution and an out-of-control fire that will destroy acres of land.

How can municipalities stop illegal dumping?

  • Educate the community about how to safely dispose of hazardous waste.
  • Provide days for the community to drop off their hazardous waste.
  • Provide hotlines for citizens to report dump spots and illegal dumping activity.
  • Immediately clean up all unauthorized dumping to prevent further risk.
  • Install Illegal dumping cameras especially design to identify license plates and dumping activity in remote areas.
  • Use social media to educate and ask the community for help in identifying the offender.

Get the tools you need to stop illegal dumping!

Illegal Dumping Starts Fires

Illegal Dumping Starts Fires

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In the year 2019, there were 50,477 wildfires reported in the United States.

 

It is hard to predict when fire disasters will occur, but they can be prevented. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 90% of the fires are started by people through negligence. An unattended campfire or a downed power line can cause a fire, but did you know that illegal dumping can also cause fires?  One of the biggest causes of fire is piles of garbage in dry, hot areas. When trash is not discarded properly, it can cause fires. Illegal dumping of tires causes the worst type of fires, as the oil within the tires once ignited is hard to put out. And according to the EPA, tire fires cause toxic gases and hazardous compounds that pollute our environment.  It is important that the officials of our communities do everything they can to prevent illegal dumping.

 

Here are some key points for a successful illegal dumping program:

 

  • Staff Resources: Staff that is specially trained and dedicated in preventing illegal dumping. Besides responding and investigating complaints and prosecuting, this includes educating the public.

 

  • Educate: Use Billboards, Social Media, and News Outlets to get the word out to Educate your community. Talk about the dangers of illegal dumping and the consequences both environmentally and individually.

 

  • 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 and fines to enforce the battle against illegal dumping

 

  • Tools:  Illegal dumping cameras.  These cameras are specifically designed to provide prosecutable evidence needed in the war against illegal dumping.

 

When measures are taken to prevent illegal dumping, we can prevent fires. It is time to start taking illegal dumping seriously.

 

Prevent Mosquitoes and Illegal Dumping!

Prevent Mosquitoes and Illegal Dumping!

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June is on its way in! Now is the time for BBQs, picnics, and summer play. Unfortunately, the mosquitoes are also coming in, and they are ready to feed.  Did you know there are over 50 different species of mosquitoes?

 According to the cbc.ca, Mosquitoes lay their eggs not just on the surface of water but also “near boggy, swampy, watery areas, on leaves or just about anything that is just above or near the water.” Just imagine what an illegal dumpsite provides to the happy mosquito, the perfect breeding ground of furniture, scrap from demolition sites, and discarded tires.  Then imagine the recent rains which have provided water to fill the vacant nooks and crannies.  Any animal or human nearby will be feed for a host of these disease carrying flying insects.

Mosquitoes bring with them viruses that include Zika, West Nile, Chikungunya, dengue, and malaria.  And they can fly 1-3 miles to find their prey.  So, what is a city to do?

To prevent these diseases which are spread from mosquitos:

  • Dump Sites need to be cleared of all trash and scrapes where mosquitoes can lay their eggs
  • Cleared Dump Sites need to be sprayed with an insecticide to kill any adult mosquito and larvae
  • The community needs to be educated on how illegal dumping can bring diseases to their community
  • Illegal Dumping Cameras should be strategically placed to prevent further dumping and to stop this perpetual problem. 

 Stop Illegal Dumping and Mosquitoes from multiplying in your neighborhood!

#illegaldumping

Illegal Dumping Solutions During Pandemic

Illegal Dumping Solutions During Pandemic

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Used gloves and masks can be seen discarded at grocery store parking lots.  But the worst illegal dumping crimes are committed at parks.  With the stay at home orders throughout the country, some trash pickup and drop off sites have been postponed.  Illegal dumpers are leaving trash in parks and remote areas.  Items left are the usual bulky items of furniture, tires and electronics, which collect water and promote disease of all kinds. This discarded trash is taking up valuable time and resources of the parks and recreation department, who are already stretched due to the COVID-19.

What to do?

Here are tools and resources you and your staff need during this pandemic:

  • Barriers: obstacles placed in a strategic place gives the clear communication that this area is not open to the public
  • Signs: posted signs give the community clear written rules about areas off limits
  • Hot Lines: hot lines involve the community and re-enforce community policing  
  • Social Media: Use social media to make the community aware of the illegal activities occurring in the parks
  • Illegal Dumping Cameras: Illegal dumping cameras are totally portable and are specifically designed to help stop unwanted activity in parks and remote areas

Give your parks and recreation department the right tools to get the job done!