Eight loads, two cameras, one arrest: alleged illegal dumper caught on camera by both the Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management and the Miami-Dade Police Department

An alleged illegal dumping subject was caught on cameras by both the Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) and the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) late last year.

Partial tag numbers of the pickup truck and trailer allegedly used by the subject were captured on both DSWM and MDPD cameras in the area, which is near Miami Executive Airport in southwest Miami-Dade County.

A Waste Enforcement Officer (WEO) from DSWM’s Special Investigations Unit shared photos from the DSWM camera with an MDPD detective. The detective set up surveillance at the residence of the alleged illegal dumper and was able to catch him once again headed out to the site with waste items.

When caught, the alleged illegal dumper told police he knew they stopped him because of the dumping incidents. He agreed to go to the site with police, where he admitted to dumping eight separate loads of waste, generated by his brick paver business.

The subject was then arrested and charged with a felony violation of the Florida Litter Law. Additionally, he returned to the site to clean up the items he had allegedly dumped.

“Why do we, a solid waste agency, work with police on illegal dumping cases? Because it is a serious crime and we take it seriously,” said Michael Fernandez, DSWM Director. “It’s a despicable act that nobody wants to see in their neighborhood, and there is a cost associated with picking it up.”

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. The DSWM further reminds any would-be violator that fine amounts were increased significantly by the Board of County Commissioners last year, in order to deter illegal dumping.  Residents hiring a contractor to do work on their home should also make sure to have a reputable, properly permitted waste hauler to handle the waste, too. Everyone has a responsibility to protect the County's environment.

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 stores.

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

EDITOR’S NOTE: Still photos of the illegally dumped piles and alleged dumper’s vehicle approaching the site at night can be found online here.