![[logo] US EPA](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508132148im_/http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Illegal Dumping
|
Related Topics |
 |
Illegal dumping is a
persistent problem because it threatens
human health and the environment, imposes significant costs on
communities, and has an adverse effect on quality of life. State and
local agencies are responsible for establishing laws and programs to
control and prevent the illegal disposal of waste along the roadside or
on private property. EPA provides limited information and assistance to
these agencies to help strengthen their programs. EPA Region 7 provided a grant to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for a Camera Assisted Remote Enforcement and Surveillance Project (MO CARES). The department uses surveillance cameras at dumpsites across Missouri to combat illegal dumping. The goal is to educate people and provide alternative options, such as obtaining commercial trash service or using a permitted landfill, transfer station, or recycling facility for environmentally sound disposal. Additional information, including videos, is on the Missouri Department of Natural Resources website. 
|
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources also developed a fact sheet
that describes the County Litter Officer,
programs that have been started in several counties. to control illegal
dumping that occurs on their back roads, rural farm lands and abandoned
properties. In the county where this program began, a single, devoted
individual approached the county sheriff with a plan. 
The plan was that a deputized volunteer could identify, document and develop
cases against illegal dumpers in the county. The result was a significant
reduction in illegal dumping and the cleanup of many dump sites in the
county. Since that time, several other counties have adopted similar programs
and found them successful.
EPA Region 5, which serves Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, established an Illegal Dumping Prevention Project, to exchange information and establish partnerships to develop and implement strategies to combat illegal dumping. Useful resources include the Illegal Dumping Guidebook and the Illegal Dumping Economic Assessment (IDEA) model.
This model is a simple, useful tool to help users understand the total costs associated with illegal dumping and the economic impact on their community.
How to Report Illegal Dumping
Kansas. To report illegal dumping contact the Kansas
Department of Health and Environment Field Office,
near you or call 1-800- 282-9790.
Missouri. To report illegal dumping use an online form,
or call (573) 751-5401 or 1-800-361-4827.
Nebraska. To report illegal dumping call Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality’s toll free number: (877) 253-2603.
Iowa. To report illegal dumping contact the Department
of Natural Resources field office,
near you or call (515) 281-8973.
State Illegal Dumpsite Cleanup Programs
Kansas:
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment works with city and county
governments to clean up illegal dumps throughout the State. KDHE is authorized
to contribute 75% (up to a maximum of $10,000 per site) with the city
or county being responsible for 25% of in-kind services.
Nebraska:
The Illegal Dumpsite Cleanup Program provides funding assistance to political
subdivisions. Approximately $100,000 is available annually.
