Midnight Dumping

Garbage is a constant feature of modern human existence. While waste management programs collect and haul much of this garbage, some material waste is disposed of illegally. Midnight dumping is a [Page 552]form of illegal waste disposal that often occurs late at night in unauthorized places that often have very low visibility. In the United States, where the average American produces roughly 4.4 pounds of garbage per day, midnight dumping and other forms of illegal dumping are common. Other types of illegal dumping include open dumping, where materials are dumped in open spaces; and fly dumping, which happens when waste is thrown from moving vehicles onto roadways. Regardless of the specific type of dumping, this phenomenon is more than mere petty littering. Illegal dumping activities have contributed to environmental pollution and have very real public health consequences.

Illegal dumping can occur for a variety of reasons, including avoiding disposal fees and not taking the proper time or following the proper procedures for disposal. Often, landfills prohibit materials such as automotive parts and tires, large household items, and some yard waste, or may require fees for disposal of these items. Common sites for illegal dumping include abandoned buildings, vacant lots, and seldom-used alleys and roadways. When they dump illegally, people primarily dispose of nonhazardous materials. These items include a wide range of materials from both construction and demolition sites such as bricks, concrete, lumber, drywall, shingles, siding, and nails.

Old household appliances and furniture, such as refrigerators and couches, automotive parts, tires, and even whole abandoned cars, are also commonly seen at illegal dump sites. Other frequently dumped items include household trash, residential yard waste, and medical waste. People also dump waste that waste haulers or landfills prohibit, such as car batteries, appliances that contain Freon, and many other hazardous chemicals. These materials not only contribute to environmental degradation and pollution but also pose health risks and can lead to serious injuries for local residents.