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On the Lookout for Illegal Trash Dumpers
11/17/09 - 05:25 PM
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Jerry Brown - bio
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Springfield, Fla:

There is nothing attractive about illegal dumping.  It can happen in a secluded area or near a busy neighborhood and remains a consistent problem for code enforcement officers.  But, there are ways you can help authorities track down violators.  Details in this on your side Problem Solver.

It is all too familiar.  A dirt road near a residential area may lead to the woods and eventually, trash.  These are signs of illegal dumping.

Springfield Code Enforcement Officer Lee Penton says, “I have had several complaints from neighbors that live on the road leading to this place.”
Penton was talking about a dirt road at one end of Ormand Avenue in Springfield.

Penton says, information from the public is extremely helpful in trying to locate those who break the law such as on a section of private property owned by the St. Joe Company.

On a recent afternoon, I visited the site with Penton and asked what he had found at this and other illegal dumps in Springfield.  He says, “Anything from roofing to tree clippings, appliances, refrigerators…if it can be dumped…it has been dumped.”  Penton says most of the dumping actually happens on the right of way in front of someone’s house almost guaranteed to be picked up.  And, he says, “if you have a couch, large piece of equipment, refrigerators, stove, and you need to get rid of it…best to call ahead to city hall and make arrangements to have it picked up.”

As for confronting violators… leave that to authorities.  According to Penton, “Doesn’t matter where you are … if you see somebody doing it, let them do whatever they got to do.  Get their tag number or number off side of the truck and contact code enforcement department.”

Code Enforcement says if you a caught dumping illegally, you are subject to trespassing charges.  And, you could face misdemeanor or even felony charges depending on the type items you are dumping.  You could have to pay to have your illegal dump cleaned up.

If you have items for pickup, get information on any fees involved by contacting the street department or city hall in the area where you live.

 

User Comments

You “could” have to pay to have your illegal dump cleaned up. You “WILL” have to pay is what this should read. Plus a huge fine, charges brought against you and posted in the newspaper and on local news. People like this need to be embarrassed and run out of business. “Bad publicity makes for bad business”. How come we never hear of who has been caught for doing this? Do they ever catch anyone? Most of the time I see code enforcement just driving around smiling and talking on the cell phone in the “clean” areas of town.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)  on  11/18  at  09:14 AM
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