Westchester approves stricter penalties for illegal dumping
Lawmakers unanimously approved the new fines and enforcement at their Monday meeting.
More Stories
People caught illegally dumping trash on Westchester-owned property will now face stiffer fines and enhanced enforcement.
The County Board of Legislators unanimously passed a bill Monday cracking down on the rising issue.
"This is something that we must stop This is something we must work together to prevent, and this is something that is frankly absurd," Westchester Legislator David Tubiolo said.
Tubiolo was a co-sponsor of the bill.
He moved the legislation forward after several constituent complaints about illegal dumping at Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers. People reported finding mattresses, tires and construction debris.
"It's poisoning our greenspace, which is so important, and it's hurting our people and our community and our children," Tubiolo said.
Repeat offenders could now face fines up to $100,000, and the law also allows prosecutors to go after professional licenses of businesses caught dumping.
Officials said the majority of offenders are licensed contractors and landlords unloading their trucks. Some are even coming up from the Bronx.
Tubiolo said he plans to complement this piece of legislation with a future capital project that would put cameras and license plate readers in areas with excessive trash.
