Illegal Dumping is a Filthy Problem

Apr 7th, 2010

While Community Partner Talibah Mateen was out in the neighborhood she came across some of the worst illegal dumping she has ever seen. Rubble the size of cars and couches; furniture that could fill a house; enough newspapers for half of the cities porches.

Unfortunately, the scene is all too familiar for Mateen as she has witnessed ‘how bad it can get’ in the alleys and vacant lots of the neighborhoods she works it. “It is just so disrespectful to the residents who live here and have to look at the mess people dump on them,” she laments. “There is little that residents can do once it is dumped except call the city,” she explains, “so that is why I let everyone know what to do when they see suspicious trucks or illegal dumping in progress.”

Favorite dumping sites are at vacant and boarded properties, especially those that have heavy brush or fences that block the view from the street. With the increase in foreclosures and vacant properties, illegal dumping has become a real problem. Safe & Sound is working with the Department of Neighborhood Services to report all vacant properties and related conditions, such as dumping sites, in target neighborhoods. In addition, a new outreach flyer has been created to inform residents of what steps to take to reduce or prevent illegal dumping.

The particular dumping spot that Mateen had to contend with is surrounded by overgrown trees off of 41st and North. Reportedly, the individuals that lived there just walked away one day. Since then it has been vandalized and the site of illegal dumping.

Another location was near 22nd and Burleigh. An elderly resident actually witnessed the dumping but didn’t quite know what to do. Mateen met with the woman while going door-to-door to inquire about the dumping and other neighborhood crime issues. Mateen instructed her on the pertinent information that needs to be reported to police and the process for calling city services. The information was reported to Community Liaison Officer Ray Robakowski of the 5th District. Vandalism and illegal dumping are serious issues and he has no tolerance for it. 

The people responsible for the illegal dumping were identified, caught and fined for littering and trespassing on city property. A press conference was organized to use the incident as an example for others and seek new laws for greater fines and penalties. The next time someone decides to make their block into a dump site, Ray, Mateen and the neighborhood will be ready.