What is illegal dumping?

Illegal dumping is the improper disposal of waste. Often illegal dumping occurs on remote roads and isolated areas. Typical dumpsites contain household trash, large bulky items such as appliances, furniture and tires as well as construction and demolition debris. If you would like to report an illegal dumpsite please contact the Jefferson County Solid Waste Authority at 351 Aviation Way, Suite 105, Reynoldsville, PA 15851, 814-328-5361.

Why is illegal dumping a problem?

The health risks associated with illegal dumping are significant. Areas used for illegal dumping may be easily accessible to people, especially children, who are vulnerable to the physical (protruding nails or sharp edges) and chemical (harmful fluids or dust) hazards posed by wastes. In addition, illegal dumping can impact proper drainage of runoff, making areas more susceptible to flooding when wastes block ravines, creeks, culverts, and drainage basing. Runoff from dump sites containing chemicals may contaminate wells and surface water used as resources of drinking water. Countless neighborhoods have been evacuated and property damage has been significant because of dump sites that caught fire, either by spontaneous combustion or, more commonly, by arson. If not addressed, illegal dumps often attract more waste, potentially including hazardous wastes such as asbestos, household chemicals and paints, automotive fluids, and commercial or industrial wastes.

For More Information on Illegal Dumping

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is a non-profit  organization whose mission is empowering Pennsylvanians to make our communities clean and beautiful. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is the state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, Inc., the nation’s largest volunteer-based community action and education organization. To learn more about Keep America Beautiful, Inc vist their website at www.keeppabeautiful.org/