2019 Illegal Dumping Task Force

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz today announced a zero tolerance policy for illegal dumping.

“I was driving through streets of the Old West End and East Toledo recently and I saw several mattresses, couches, and tires dumped in alleys and along sidewalks,” Mayor Kapszukiewicz said. “Those are egregious examples of illegal dumping that I have seen in our city. We are here today to deliver a warning to those who dump their junk in our great city: anyone who thinks that they can dump on Toledo should be ready to be arrested and prosecuted. We have a zero tolerance for illegal dumping. If you are caught dumping, you will be in handcuffs.”

The mayor announced that Toledo Police will charge dumpers with reckless dumping, which carries a mandatory, minimum 10 day sentence and a $500 fine.

If anyone sees someone dumping, they are encouraged to take a picture of the license plate and call Engage Toledo at 419-936-2020, the mayor said.

Illegal dumping costs Toledoans hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. Toledo taxpayers spent $21,000 to clean up illegal dumping on the 1400 block of Utah Street last year. The city has already spent $6,000 this year to clean up illegal dumping in the same area. Toledo Police officers were able to identify and prosecute an illegal dumper from South Toledo, who was using the Utah Street area to dispose of materials removed from his house for a remodeling project.

In March 2019, there were 27 new investigations, 40 continued investigations, 17 evidence reports, 12 traffic/all purpose citations issued, 5 warrants issued, and 4 warnings in lieu of warrants related to illegal dumping.

The city will spend nearly $40,000 this year to pay contractors to remove illegal dumping from our neighborhoods.

The city will also spend $500,000 from the Nuisance Abatement Trust Fund for the Beatification Action Team to support community and volunteer-driven cleanup events, fund disposal fees at the landfill, and to pay haulers and processors for recycling, equipment, and labor. The Nuisance Abatement Trust Fund is funded by fines and fees from non-compliant owners and illegal dumpers.

Toledo Police has assigned 13 officers to investigate illegal dumping, authorized the use of marked and unmarked vehicles, and directed the officers to appear in court for prosecution. It will cost approximately $60,000 for the police operation this year, which will be funded by the Nuisance Abatement Trust Fund.

There are alternatives to dumping. Toledo offers 12 different free recycling events from April to September, with vendors available to take electronic waste, paint, secured document destruction, general debris, and tires. There will also be four free disposal days at the Hoffman Road Landfill. The free disposal days are hosted from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 1, July 6, Sept. 7, and Nov. 30. Residents are permitted to bring a truck or trailer load of bulky solid waste items for free disposal to the landfill, 3962 Hoffman Rd., subject to terms and conditions. A current utility bill and valid photo ID will be required to verify proof of residency. Acceptable bulk waste items include excess trash, furniture, carpeting, mattresses, wood waste, and scrap metal.

Residents are also permitted one free monthly bulk curbside pickup, which can be scheduled by calling 419-936-2020.