Illegal Dumping Page

LAWRENCE COUNTY

PENNSYLVANIA

LAWRENCE-MERCER COUNTIES

RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT

ILLEGAL DUMPING

LAWRENCE COUNTY
GOVERNMENT CENTER
430 COURT STREET
NEW CASTLE, PA. 16101
(724) 658-2541

Hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Mon - Fri

HOME PAGE
ASSESSMENT PROPERTY SEARCH
BUDGET REPORTS
CAMPUS MAP
COUNTY MAP
DIRECTIONS
DIRECTORY OF MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS
FAQ's
FEDERAL LINKS
FEEDBACK
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
LINKS TO PA COUNTIES WEBSITES
LOCAL LINKS
LOCAL RULES OF COURT
MUNICIPAL MAPS
PHONE DIRECTORY
PRISON BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE
RIGHT-TO-KNOW REQUEST POLICY
SEARCH
SECURITY POLICY
STATE LINKS

The decisions you make with your trash do matter and have consequences!

ILLEGAL DUMPING REPORT FORM

What is Illegal Dumping?

Illegal dumping is the disposal of solid waste (Trash) in an unpermitted area.
It’s also known as “open dumping”, “fly dumping”, “midnight dumping”, and “scattering rubbish.”
There are NO permitted waste disposal facilities in Lawrence County.
Unlike litter, illegal dumping does not occur accidentally.

Illegal Dumping in Lawrence and Mercer County

Illegal dumping is a serious problem in both Lawrence and Mercer Counties.

A study released in 2005 identified 143 roadside illegal dump sites in Mercer County. 55% of the identified sites were within 50 feet of a body of water and 13% of the sites had waste materials directly in the water.

Two studies have been done in Lawrence County to determine the extent of the problem. The first study was conducted in the early 1990’s and resulted in the identification of 87 sites. Of these 87 sites, 61 are located within 100 feet of a wetland.

Illegal dumped materials often indicate the need for additional waste services or public education. For example, tires and household hazardous wastes are two of the most commonly dumped materials. Special programming can help by providing the public opportunities to properly dispose of these and other materials.

As a result of the study, Lawrence County implemented several programs to help address materials commonly found in the sites. These programs are in the process of being expanded into Mercer County.

Frequently Dumped Items

Recyclables

Tires

C&D Waste

HHW

Yard Waste

Paint Cans

Mattresses

Car Parts

White Goods

Carpeting

Furniture

Toys

Clean Fill

TV's

Programs

Beautification Programs such as tree plantings
Residential Recycling Program
Ellwood City Earth Day Celebration
Special Collection for Appliances, Electronics, Tires, Batteries, and Fluorescent Lights
Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Common Household Chemicals & Paints Collection
Unused & Outdated Medications Collection
Big Blue Bin Program
Group Education

“Trash Attracts Trash” this is a common and very accurate phrase. Illegally dumped trash will attract
additional dumping in that area because people believe that it is a safe spot to dump. One improperly disposed item,
including yard debris, can set off a chain reaction that is harmful to your community.

Notice!!!!

Leaving items, including recyclables beside or near any form of trash collection containers including the Big Blue Bins is
illegal and enforceable by law! Not only is it unsightly and often results in litter blowing through the area, but it also
attracts additional illegal behavior. This also includes the disposal of nonrecyclable items in the container.

Illegal Dumping Hurts Communities

1. Economically

· Cleanups are expensive ($200 million nationwide and $700-$1,000 per ton to pick up locally)

· Decrease in land and property value

· Tourism impacts

· Equipment damage

· Loss of revenue

2. Environmentally

· Water pollution

· Soil Pollution

· Air Pollution

· Destroys wildlife habitat