Alleged Illegal Dumping Violator Caught in the Act by Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management Enforcement Officer

MIAMI — Illegal dumping is a crime and anyone caught dumping illegally is subject to a fine, vehicle seizure and even possible arrest and incarceration.

One individual found that out the hard way when he was allegedly caught in the act of illegal dumping by Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) Waste Enforcement Officer Levar Baker.

“I was conducting surveillance on an illegal dumping hot spot,” Baker noted in a case summary report. “When a truck was observed driving slowly past the hot spot and made a U-turn. I then observed the alleged violator exit the vehicle and begin to illegally dump the debris from the truck to the right of way of 4680 NW 31 Avenue,” he added.

The alleged violator was handed a citation for $410 and the waste was removed from the site. Photos and a short video from the incident can be found here.

Illegal dumping is a serious crime that can harm the environment and negatively impact neighborhood aesthetics. Dumping items such as tires, debris, old furniture and hazardous materials not only harms the environment and lowers property values, but results in millions of dollars spent on enforcement and cleanup costs.

Miami-Dade residents who witness an illegal dumping incident in progress should call 911. Never confront someone who is dumping. Instead, try to get the vehicle license plate number or at least a description of the vehicle used to commit the crime.

If an instance of illegal dumping has already happened, call 311.

Illegal dumping can also be reported using the MDC Solid Waste mobile application for Apple users. It’s available for download free of charge in the iTunes store.

For more on illegal dumping, visit the DSWM website at www.miamidade.gov/solidwaste.