Illegal dumping causes big problem in Indy

Indianapolis Illegal dumping is becoming a major problem in Indianapolis.

The problem has become so severe that the Indianapolis Department of Public Works is launching a new effort to address it.

We have noticed an increase in illegal dumping across the city,” said DPW’s Corey Ohlenkamp. “This isn’t just one specific area. We’re seeing this in most areas of Indianapolis. Illegal dumping really is more than just an eyesore, it creates a lot of problems. First, we have to send more of staff to mitigate the situation, which is expensive for the private landowner who illegally dumps trash on their property, expensive for the city to deal with, and overall, just not a good neighbor.

From abandoned mattresses and sofas to piles of trash. Some Indy residents we spoke to Wednesday said the problem of illegal dumping is becoming an eyesore.

Things have really gotten out of hand,” said Indy resident Constance Brown. “I mean, there are bags of trash all over the city center that maybe should be recycled, or maybe they’re just trash and people don’t have anywhere to put it.

Here are some photos of the issue collected by the FOX59/CBS4 staff:

A man who lives near Fountain Square, who was afraid to go on camera, told FOX59/CBS4 that the garbage pile near his home was cleared by the city government more than a day ago, and now more garbage has returned.

It is because of this situation that the DPW has launched a comprehensive campaign to address the issue. Post new flyers on social media and around town.

DPW first spoke to FOX59/CBS4’s Jenny Dreasler exclusively about the issue Wednesday afternoon.

With this awareness campaign, we’re really trying to help people understand what illegal dumping is, that it’s illegal and you can get fined for it,” said DPW’s Corey Ohlenkamp. “And how to dispose of the waste in a legal way that will be more helpful to other residents nearby.

Ohlenkamp said the Mayor’s Action Center has filed 7,122 illegal dumping cases so far this year.

There are approximately 600 reports per month.

If you are caught illegally dumping trash, you could face a fine of up to $2,500.

DPW officials fear the illegal dumping problem will only get worse as Christmas approaches. ”

We know that during the winter, especially around Christmas, everyone receives extra boxes and everyone wants to get rid of piles of Amazon boxes and Christmas gift boxes, so we know our recycling facilities will be used to their maximum potential, And that’s when illegal dumping can happen, people putting things where they shouldn’t be,” Olenkamp said.

DPW said it is looking to add more recycling locations to curb the problem and hopes the new campaign will remind Indian residents to stop dumping.

DPW says there are things you can do to help keep your city clean. For more information, view the image below or scroll further to learn about recycling and drop-off solutions.

Citizen Transfer Center:

You can drop off your trash at the Civic Transfer Center located at 2324 S. Belmont Avenue.

The fee is $2 per vehicle, $5 for SUV/or pickup truck.

The center is cash only and is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Heavy Trash/Trash Day:

On heavy waste collection days, you may place up to two items of heavy waste for curbside collection next to your garbage truck. Select the green “Go” button above to find your pickup date. If an item is not available for pickup, your service provider will notify you and attach a label with instructions on how to accommodate pickup requirements.

Heavy waste often consists of items that are too large to fit into a garbage truck. Common projects include:

• Electrical appliances No Freon, such as stoves or water heaters (for appliances containing Freon, please contact the Mayor’s Action Center to arrange pickup)
• Car tires mounted on rims/wheels
• Spring Beds (Residents in Republic Services service areas must have their mattresses and box springs completely wrapped in plastic before going out for collection. Please place them flat on the ground and not rest them against other objects.)
• Disassembled bikes and swings
• Home furniture (sofas, desks, dressers, tables, chairs)
• Lawn mower (gas and oil must be drained)
• Mattresses (Residents in Republic Services service areas must have mattresses and box springs completely wrapped in plastic before going out for collection. Please place them flat on the ground and not rest them against other objects.)
• TV case (all electronic components must be removed for consideration prior to pickup). Solid waste haulers will not collect televisions with intact electronic components. Citizens should consider recycling unwanted electronics, including televisions, at electronics recycling bins.
• Yard waste (bundled branches 3 feet in diameter and 3 feet long are considered heavy-duty trash)

Christmas tree disposal:

Marion County residents are encouraged to dispose of real Christmas trees at one of the city’s drop-off sites during the 2023-2024 season Monday, December 25 until Wednesday, January 31st Give trees new life as mulch from dawn to dusk.

Tree stand and all decorations, tinsel, lights and decorations must be removed Before getting off the bus. GreenCycle mulches collected trees into various soil mixtures.

Consider cutting down trees at locations not listed below illegal dumping and can be fined up to $3,000. Please check the list carefully as the parks included change every year.

This service is for Marion County residents only and is not provided for commercial use.

Tree disposal drop-off locations are:

• Ellenberger Park | 5301 E. St. Clair Street | Northeast corner of the pool
• Garfield Park | 2432 Greenhouse Avenue | In front of McAllister Amphitheater
• Northwest Road Park | 5253 West 62nd Street | Left side of entrance
• Perry Park | 451 E. Station 11 Route | Left of Station 11 Main Entrance
• Riverside Park | 2420 East Riverside Drive | Next to the basketball court
• Sam’s Park | 6801 E. 91st Street | Close to recycling bins
• River Forest Park | 7201 Crittenden Avenue

Poison drops:

Residents can dispose of unwanted and unused household hazardous waste and electronics during a citywide ToxDrop event on Saturday. ToxDrop service is For Marion County residents only And commercial waste will not be accepted. Regular times and locations are listed below.

Household hazardous waste (HHW) refers to hazardous waste generated in households that is flammable, toxic, reactive, corrosive, or otherwise poses a threat to human health or the environment. Careless management of HWW—such as dumping it into sewers, on the ground, in storm sewers, or with regular trash—can cause serious environmental and public health hazards.

first saturday Every month at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Trader Points Collection Facility
7550 N. Lafayette Road.

second saturday Every month at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Perry Township Government Center
4925 S. Shelby Street

third saturday Every month at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Indianapolis Police Department Training Facility
9049 E. 10th St.

For more information Recycling information and recycling binsclick here.