The Department of Sanitation is reminding New York City residents that they could receive a “significant bounty” for helping the department catch those responsible for illegal dumping.
The reminder of two bounty programs comes as illegal dumping summonses have increased by more than 20% in the last fiscal year.
Illegal dumping is different from littering, as the former refers specifically to dumping from a vehicle, according to the department.
“Too often, crooked contractors steal our public space by dumping materials in streets, lots and sidewalks that they perceive to be out of the way,” said Acting New York City Department of Sanitation Commissioner Javier Lojan. “We are catching more and more of these criminals with in-person surveillance and an expanded network of hidden cameras — and we also welcome assistance from the everyday New Yorkers who know these neighborhoods best. Provide us valuable information to catch these criminals, and you could be eligible for half the $4,000 fine.”
The first of the two bounty programs run by the Department of Sanitation is the Illegal Dumping Award Program.
As part of this program, a witness must complete an affidavit and/or submit a video after spotting illegal dumping. Footage of the dumping taking place and a clear license plate is considered “most helpful” by the department. Videos may be submitted to IllegalDumpingTips@dsny.nyc.gov.
Those who elect to fill out an affidavit should download it, fill it out, have it notarized and mail it to the following address:
Director of Enforcement, NYC Department of Sanitation, 1824 Shore Parkway, Brooklyn, New York, 11214.
Should the dumper be fined, the witness is eligible to receive up to 50% of that fine.
However, should the dumper challenge the ticket at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings hearing, the witness must attend.
The department’s other bounty program is the Illegal Dumping Tip Program. A resident who tips off the city to catch someone in the act of dumping is eligible for a reward of up to 50% of the fine obtained.
In this program, the tipster’s identity is confidential, and therefore an appearance at a hearing is not required.
As explained by the department, individuals who are caught dumping have their vehicles impounded and face summonses ranging from $4,000 to $18,000, in addition to the cost of cleaning.
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