Illegal dumps are places where garbage has been disposed of improperly. Dumps can be found along roads, near homes, in fields, in sinkholes, in ravines, along creeks and rivers.
Illegal Dumps:
- are unhealthy and harmful to the environment.
- attract disease carrying rats, flies and mosquitoes.
- are unsightly and diminish property values.
- pollute wells that may be used for drinking water.
- pollute creeks, streams, rivers and lakes.
- cause fires that may give off hazardous fumes and burn out of control.
- contain items that may be harmful to wildlife and livestock.
Persons who dispose of trash illegally can be fined up to $5,000. Cameras are being used to catch persons in the act, and anyone caught on camera will be fined!
KRS 224.40-100 Open Dumps Prohibited
- Have garbage picked up by an approved garbage collector. Contact your solid waste coordinator for businesses approved to pick up garbage in your area.
- Take your garbage to a permitted transfer station or landfill.
- Recycle items such as aluminum cans, plastic milk jugs, soda bottles, newspapers and white goods such as stoves and refrigerators.
Since 2002, the Kentucky Pride Fund has funded the cleanup of 791 dumpsites at a cost of more than $2.6 million. The fourth round of illegal open dump grants was awarded in January 2008 for the remediation of 293 dumpsites at a cost of $3 million.
Click here for information on the Illegal Open Dump Remediation Grant Program.
Clean up our state and keep it beautiful by disposing of your garbage properly and reporting dumpers at 1-888-no-dumps. Your help will be appreciated!
