Philadelphia's Streets Department Increasing Effort To Stop Illegal Dumping
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Illegal dumping around public litter baskets is becoming a big problem in Philadelphia and the streets department is stepping up its efforts to stop it.
Litter baskets are placed in high traffic areas in city neighborhoods to prevent litter on the street, but they've recently become a magnet for illegal dumping.
"We've noticed an increased in the number of residents bringing their household trash to these baskets, placing them in the baskets and around the baskets," says Donald Carlton, deputy commissioner of the Philadelphia Streets Department.
Carlton says the baskets are emptied once a day, but the illegal dumping creates smelly eyesores, quality of life issues and can be dangerous to children. He says the department is stepping up investigations of illegal dumping and will be handing more citations:
"We know that there can be overcrowding because of poverty issues. We know that some apartment buildings do not offer trash storage, so we know people aren't just doing it to do it. but at the same time-- instead of getting a citation, we are giving people options."
Citations can cost about $150 each, so drop off locations could be a cheaper option.
Carlton says the city has three drop-off sites and are planning to open three new sites within the next year.
For a full list of drop off sites, CLICK HERE.
