|
|
|
Illegal Dumping
|
|
|
|
What is illegal dumping?
|
 Illegal
dumping is
the improper
disposal of
waste.
Often
illegal
dumping
occurs on
remote roads
and isolated
areas.
Typical
dumpsites
contain
household
trash, large
bulky items
such as
appliances,
furniture
and tires as
well as
construction
and
demolition
debris.
If you would like to report an illegal dumpsite please
click here.
(All
information will remain anonymous.)
|
|
|
|
Why is illegal dumping a problem?
|
|
The health risks associated with illegal dumping are significant.
Areas used for
illegal dumping may be easily accessible to people, especially children, who are vulnerable to the physical
(protruding nails or sharp edges) and chemical (harmful fluids or dust) hazards posed by wastes.
In addition, illegal dumping can impact proper drainage of runoff, making areas more susceptible to flooding when wastes block ravines, creeks, culverts, and
drainage basing. Runoff from dump sites containing chemicals may contaminate wells and surface water used as resources of drinking water. Countless neighborhoods have been evacuated and property damage has been significant because of dump sites that caught fire, either by spontaneous combustion or, more commonly, by arson.
If not addressed, illegal dumps often attract more waste, potentially including hazardous wastes such
as asbestos, household chemicals and paints, automotive fluids, and commercial or industrial wastes.
|
|
|
|
Who
can help
stop illegal
dumping?
|
|
Jefferson
County has a
local
chapter of
PA CleanWays.
PA CleanWays
is a
non-profit
grassroots
organization
that teams
together
with local
volunteers,
local
government,
and local
businesses
to help
clean up the
county and
keep it
clean.
The
Jefferson
County
Chapter
meets the
1st Thursday
of each
month 8-10
times per
year.
The chapter
consists of
volunteers
who are
actively
working
towards
cleaning up
Jefferson
County's
illegal
dumps and
who are
educating
the public
on the
hazards of
illegal
dumping and
littering.
Their vision
is to build
a
sustainable
chapter that
will promote
a county
with
residents
that are
educated and
involved in recycling,
proper waste
disposal,
waste
removal and
enforcement.
To become a
volunteer...click
here,
print out a
copy of this
form and
send it in.
TOGETHER
WE CAN MAKE
A
DIFFERENCE!
|
|
|
