7/12/2006
Media Contact:
Justin Ohlemiller, [317] 327-3690
Monica Whitfield Brase, [317] 327-4385 |
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Mayor Peterson, community leaders kick-off new initiative to help curb illegal dumping in neighborhoods
INDIANAPOLIS – As part of City Hall for a Day on the city’s near northwest side, Mayor Bart Peterson today joined residents and community leaders to kick-off a new partnership that will help fight illegal dumping in neighborhoods.
Responding to citizens concerns about the frequency of illegal dumping of trash and debris in some neighborhoods, Mayor Peterson today announced that city officials have purchased three large dumpsters with funding secured through a grant of $10,000 from SAFECO Insurance. These dumpsters have been placed in neighborhoods that have had the greatest number of illegal dumping incidents reported. These sites include:
-1100 W. 30th Street;
-3701 E. Michigan Street; and
-the corner of Fairfield Avenue and East 38th Street.
The dumpsters will provide a free and easy alternative for disposing of large trash and debris. The City’s Department of Public Works will empty the containers as part of their normal trash pick-up routes.
“Illegal dumping is absolutely unacceptable. The scourge of dumping eats at the fabric of our neighborhoods and impacts the quality of life for residents,” said Mayor Peterson. “Thanks to the city and community members working together, we have taken this workable approach to combating this problem. The neighborhood dumpsters provide a clean and safe option for properly disposing of large trash and debris in these areas most affected by illegal dumping.”
The city worked with neighborhood groups to determine the exact locations for the placement of the dumpsters. In addition to SAFECO’s grant, the city received support from Southside Landfill, who agreed to waive thousands of dollars in dumping fees for the disposal of trash from the three dumpsters.
The Mayor pledged that the city would continue to pursue the perpetrators of illegal dumping.
Laws require people and businesses to dispose of heavy trash at legally established disposal sites or through city trash collection. The city’s Department of Public Works picks up heavy trash and large debris once a month in local neighborhoods.
Illegal dumping usually occurs in alleys, vacant lots and in heavily wooded areas. DPW’s customer service section employs environmental officers who conduct investigations into illegal dumpsites. Fines for illegal dumping can reach up to $2,500.
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