“They’re leaving couches, chairs, computers, computer screens, televisions and refrigerators,” said Public Works Director Terry Randall. “Anything they couldn’t get rid of at home they dumped it here.”
Now several stop signs indicate the recycling area is closed, except for organic waste. The city says it was a nuisance to constantly clean up. They also had to pay a trash hauler to get rid of it.
The area is under surveillance cameras, but the picture isn’t close enough to read a license plant. The City Council approved using state grant money to buy a license plate reader to help police investigate illegal dumpers.
“Makes me mad as hell someone would come here and drop off illegal garbage,” said Mayor Bob Nelson. “I don’t like them throwing garbage on the streets in the city and to come right here with squad cars all over and they’ve got the guts to do it right in front of us. There’s got to start to being some accountability, period. You can’t do this stuff and get away with everything all the time. I’m fed up to here.”
Nelson called for a stiff fine, and said the actions of a few are impacting a city service used by many residents. When the service returns, there will be new rules.
“We’ve closed this off and we’re working on a plan for next year to put back the recycle of cardboard and stuff like that,” said Randall. “But that will be under lock and key and it will be by appointment only.”
Illegal dumping is a misdemeanor crime, but the city attorney said he would notify prosecutors that it has become a serious issue.
