LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Illegal dumping is becoming an even bigger issue as people are unloading large items in alleys, side streets and even on interstates.
Metro Public Works is trying to take care of the problem using their hidden cameras, but they need the public's help to keep those areas clean.
The city defines illegal dumping as disposing trash from one area to another location without legal permission. This is most commonly seen with larger items like furniture, appliances or tires. These items are often dumped in areas like alleys or vacant lots.
Public Works says a few items they've found illegally dumped have been mattresses, dressers and couches -- all found in alleys in the California and Portland neighborhoods.
Public Works say they are trying their best to address the problem, but there's only so much its workers can do.
"When we see the act, someone pulling something out of a truck dumping it on the ground, you know, it's not their property," Karen Maynard, public education supervisor, said.
Even though there are more than 80 cameras across the city and signs saying "No Dumping", people continue to abandon their junk -- ignoring warnings and consequences.
Public Works has already caught several people on their hidden cameras.
"They would receive fines and fees that go along with the cleanup and that goes right along with the impound of the vehicle," Maynard says.
Those fines and fees typically add up to $1,000, with the clean-up and impound costs.
Councilwoman Donna Purvis went to Facebook to voice her disappointment in what she's seeing in her district and pleading for the community to help clean-up.
"I am just really tired of seeing what you all are seeing in the background," she said.
Public Works says illegal dumping can easily be prevented. There are events where people can drop off their large items as well as the option of taking those items to the waste reduction center.
"When we have an image of someone pulling a mattress off their truck in an alley, they could've put it at the waste reduction center for free," Maynard said.
According to the Public Works' website, they have scheduled times for their new large item pickup service. People can quickly get rid of up to four large items, once per week, by following these three simple steps.
The first is checking to see if your items are still usable or accepted in the collection system. If your items are not usable, make sure they are accepted for large item pickup.
If they are accepted for large item pickup, the next step is making an appointment. Two days before your appointment, you'll receive a confirmation email showing the date and approved items.
Once you receive that email, you will set out your approved items the day before your appointment date. Your items should be placed in the same location as garbage collection.
"The city is doing a lot to clean up, but it's going to take the help of the citizens as well," Maynard said.
For more information about illegal dumping or how to properly dispose of large items, please click here.
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