The Negative Impacts of Illegal Dumping and How You Can Help

Cristina Trujillo, Founder and CEO getFOUND Events
photo of trash lot on shore

Introduction

Nobody should ever dump items illegally, yet it happens more often than we’d like. Unfortunately, this morning I was driving down Guadalupe Canyon Parkway when I saw two couches and a mattress that had been dumped there. To help combat this problem, I contacted SSF Scavenger who noted that the area wasn’t their territory but directed me to Republic Services. After making the call, I learned they do participate in mattress recycling – though couches have to go to landfills – and filed a report so these items can be properly disposed of. Thankfully, Daly City also offers free annual bulky item pickups for things like this. So please: don’t let anyone you know resort to dumping illegal items! If you see someone doing it in progress then call the police at (650) 992-1225, and if you spot illegally-dumped items afterward remember to contact Republic Services.

The Negative Impacts of Illegal Dumping and How You Can Help

Discarding materials, such as building materials, furniture, or appliances, in public places or private property without authorization is considered illegal dumping. It creates unsightly accumulations of trash and can potentially be hazardous to people and the environment. This problem affects people living in urban areas and communities located near dumpsites.

Illegal dumping is an increasing problem in cities throughout the United States, including San Francisco, Oakland, and San Mateo. According to the Federation of American Scientists, in 2017 alone, more than 11 million tons of waste were illegally disposed of in the United States.

What is Illegal Dumping?

Unlicensed waste disposal and improper waste disposal lead to “fly-dumping,” a term for the illegal dumping of items. These can range from hazardous materials to food scraps and even human waste. It is important that proper removal capacity exist in order to discourage this type of activity.

It is apparent that illegal dumping is a serious issue and must be addressed with swift action. By taking responsibility for their waste, cities, and communities can protect public health, the environment, and local economies. In order to help reduce the prevalence of illegal dumping in San Francisco, Oakland, and San Mateo, residents must be informed and active when it comes to properly disposing of their waste. They should also be proactive in reporting any instances of illegally dumped items to the relevant authorities. This is the only way to address the problem of illegal dumping.

What are the negative impacts of illegal dumping?

Discarded electronics, appliances, and other types of waste clog our landfills and pollute our environment. This is especially true for illegal dumping, which refers to the act of dumping waste in an unauthorized area.

Illegal dumping has a number of negative impacts on our environment, our economy, and our health. Here are a few of the most significant ones:

– Environmental damage: When waste is dumped in an unauthorized area, it can pollute the air, water, and soil. This can damage plant and animal life, and it can also lead to soil erosion.

– Economic costs: Illegal dumping costs taxpayers millions of dollars every year in cleanup and disposal fees.

– Health risks: Exposure to illegal dumping sites can cause a number of health problems, including respiratory problems, skin irritations, and gastrointestinal illnesses.

How can you help prevent illegal dumping?

Illegal dumping is a serious problem that can have negative consequences for both people and the environment. Luckily, there are some things you can do to help prevent illegal dumping in your community.

Here are a few ways you can help prevent illegal dumping:

-Report any illegal dumping you see to the proper authorities.

-Educate others about the importance of proper waste disposal.

-Encourage the use of proper disposal methods, such as recycling and composting.

-support laws and regulations that prohibit illegal dumping.

By taking these measures, you can help make your community a cleaner and safer place for everyone.

Resources for proper waste disposal in San Francisco Bay Area

San Francisco residents can call for a bulky item pickup up to twice a year, or once a year if they live in a multifamily building. The limit for each pickup request is ten items. Additionally, if they notice any illegally dumped items, human feces, or other waste, they can report it to 311.

Oakland residents can also report any illegal dumping they encounter and call for a bulky item pickup starting November 15th, 2021, at no cost. To report illegal dumping to Oakland Public Works, they can call (510) 615-5566 or 311OAK. To further reduce the problem, the city allows all residents to make a free bulky item drop-off by calling to schedule a pick-up.

Residents of San Mateo County have also been given the option for bulky item collection twice a year provided they have Rethink Waste as their hauler. Moreover, they can report witnessed illegal dumping by dialing San Mateo Police Department at (650) 522-7700 or by calling the Public Works Department to report such findings.

All in all, local governments and authorities are taking considerable steps to reduce the burden of illegal dumping by providing easier and more accessible methods of waste removal. They are also educating and encouraging the public to properly dispose of waste in dedicated areas. Thus, it is necessary to be aware of the initiatives taken by the local government and authorities to reduce the harm caused by illegal dumping. Knowing of the initiatives being taken in your area can help you become a proactive part of this much-needed effort and protect the environment from recklessly discarded waste.

Want more ways to get rid of hard-to-recycle items? Visit the Office of Sustainability to learn how to dispose of Hazard Waste and Electronics. Find out what’s recyclable and where to dispose of it.

Free Recycling Events