Caught on camera: alleged illegal dumping violators in southwest Miami-Dade seen ditching a sofa and table on the public right-of-way

A hidden camera in southwest Miami-Dade caught two illegal dumping violators in the act and helped a Waste Enforcement Officer (WEO) from the Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) catch—and fine—one of the subjects.

The violators can be seen on the video pulling up in a black pickup truck before dumping a couch and a table on the public right-of-way in the Olympia Heights neighborhood near Westchester.

The WEO, who is assigned to DSWM’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU), studied the video to determine the origin of the debris. Although he was only able to get a partial auto tag number, that was enough to help him identify the truck, which he found parked at a residence near the alleged illegal dumping site.

The WEO spoke with a resident who admitted he owned the truck in question. The WEO further questioned the truck owner, who allegedly admitted he dumped the items in question as seen on the video.

The violator was given a citation for $260.

The video can be viewed at, and downloaded from, here.

“Here is another lesson in illegal dumping. Is it really worth the fine? Like our campaign model states, ‘Dirty Crimes, Carry Fines!’ Our Code Enforcement, in conjunction with the Miami-Dade Police Department, have cameras throughout the County. You never know when someone is watching. You can avoid this altogether by disposing of your trash appropriately,” said Miami-Dade County Solid Waste Director Michael Fernandez.

The DSWM reminds would-be violators that illegal dumping is a crime in Miami-Dade County and anyone caught doing it is subject to a fine, vehicle seizure and even possible arrest and incarceration.

Miami-Dade residents who witness an illegal dumping incident in progress should call 911. Never confront someone who is dumping. Instead, try to get the vehicle license plate number or at least a description of the vehicle used to commit the crime.

If an instance of illegal dumping has already happened, call 311.

Illegal dumping can also be reported using the MDC Solid Waste mobile application for Apple iPhone and Android smartphone users. It’s available for download free of charge in the iTunes and Google Play.

For more on illegal dumping, visit the DSWM website at miamidade.gov/illegaldumping.