What is Illegal Dumping?

Illegal dumping is a widespread problem that is not limited to one area, or even one as one form. There are a variety of ways someone can illegally dump waste, there are however two main types of illegal dumping that have grown to be the most problematic. Here’s a closer look at the two main types of illegal dumping, and the ongoing issues they bring to our communities and environment.

Unauthorized Dumping

Before you dispose of any kind of waste in a dumpster, there needs to be authorization to do so. Without authorization from the company / customer renting the dumpster, it’s illegal to place any kid of debris inside. Many people do this to avoid the cost of renting a dumpster, as they sometimes see the process as an inconvenience. When people do this they also don’t know that there are environmental issues that require only certain types of debris to be placed in certain dumpsters.

Many people who do unauthorized dumping do so to avoid cost, or have a general lack of awareness in regards to the specifics involved with waste disposal. In some cases, a permit is required when renting a dumpster, people hear that and don’t want to deal with the hassle. However, if caught in the act of unauthorized dumping, you may face legal repercussions.

Midnight Dumping

Midnight dumping is a term that is used to describe the act of discarding solid waste and debris in an unauthorized area, such as public or private land. The reason it’s called midnight dumping is because most of the time it’s done at night, dumping waste this way can negatively affect the environment and the quality of life for humans and animals in the area. Midnight dumping may also cause waterways to become contaminated or cause injury to wildlife and humans.

Sometimes, midnight dumpsites can become a hot spot for all, and turn into illegal landfills. These illegal landfills often bring around rodent problems, while also decreasing the value of the land surrounding the area. Many instances of midnight dumping include some form of hazardous materials, including harmful chemicals, paint, oil, and even medical waste. Those who do this are usually looking for the easy way out, however it is a serious offense. Doing so can lead to environmental issues, harm wildlife, and people in numerous ways, if found guilty of this you will receive a hefty punishment.