A resident of New York is feeling blue after being captured on video by the Department of Sanitation.
Local governments in New York State, from the bustling city to the tranquil Adirondack Mountains, remain vigilant in their efforts to enforce laws governing the disposal of refuse and recycling. Recently, the New York City Department of Sanitation (NYCDS) imposed a substantial fine on an offender. But what about the laws governing waste management in the Hudson Valley? Are they equally strict?
Illegal Dumping in New York State
The NYCSD recently posted a warning that no dumping spot is truly secluded. The post recounted an incident where a dumper was caught on camera leaving cardboard on the sidewalk. As punishment, the offender received a staggering $4,000 summons and had their van impounded. It goes without saying that illegal dumping is a serious offense. However, the penalty in this case is astronomical. Let’s take a look at how this compares to the laws in the Hudson Valley.
Penalties for Illegal Dumping in the Hudson Valley, NY
Illegal dumping of solid waste and recyclable materials is prohibited by law in all counties of the Hudson Valley, albeit with significantly lower fines than those imposed in New York City. In Dutchess County, NY, violators of waste management and licensing regulations are fined $500 for their first offense. Nonetheless, illegal dumping has become a more pressing issue in the Hudson Valley in recent times.
New York State Faces Major Lawsuit for Illegal Dumping
In March, a lawsuit was filed by Attorney General Letitia James against nearly 30 waste management companies for illegally transporting thousands of truckloads of construction debris from New York City to dump in Saugerties, NY. This alleged infraction was on a much larger scale than a single individual leaving piles of cardboard, which means that fines could potentially reach millions of dollars.
Make a Report to the New York State DEC
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) takes a strong stance against any form of illegal dumping, regardless of the scale. As a responsible citizen, you can aid in preserving the environment and public health by reporting any unlawful activities you may witness. Whether it is the disposal of waste in storm drains or refusal to accept recyclable bottles, you can file a report with NYS DEC by clicking here. Let us all do our part in keeping New York state clean and healthy for generations to come.
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