What is it, anyway?
Illegal dumping is when garbage and other waste is dumped in ditches, along roadways and on others’ property. Usually those doing it are trying to avoid paying for proper disposal through curbside collection or at a landfill.

Why is it bad?
Illegal dumping impacts the environment, the character of neighborhoods and the quality of life of local residents. It causes safety hazards to the public and costs local governments millions of dollars every year in cleanup costs.

So…what can we do about it?
We’re working on it!
iLivehere has teamed up with representatives from local and state governments to create an Illegal Dumping Taskforce. Our first goal is to figure out the scope of the illegal dumping problem in Scott County. Then we plan to educate citizens and take action against offenders!

You can help, too.
Report illegal dumping if you see it has occured. Call 1-888-NO LITTR (665-4887). You’ll be asked to provide as much detail as possible regarding location, what was dumped, time discovered and other details. If you are willing to be contacted on this issue please include your name, email, phone number and address along with a convenient time to reach you.

What are other communities doing?
Des Moines, Iowa: Local officials worked with a private investigator to set up surveillance cameras and caught illegal dumpers in the act.

Resources
Iowa Community Illegal Dumping Guide (Iowa DNR)
Illegal Dumping Guidebook (EPA)