Alleged illegal dumper arrested

The vigilance of Waste Enforcement Officers (WEOs) from the Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management’s (DSWM) Special Investigations Unit resulted in the recent arrest of an alleged illegal dumper.

The WEOs were at a known illegal dumping hotspot at approximately NW 2nd Street and NW 73rd Place in Miami, waiting for the installation of a hidden camera nearby.

The alleged illegal dumper was filmed by one of the WEOs tossing two mattresses, a dishwasher, and a nightstand from the back of his truck. The WEOs questioned the alleged illegal dumper, determined the waste items came from a commercial entity, and contacted MDPD, who arrested the subject for Commercial Illegal Dumping.

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.

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.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Still photos and video of the illegally dumped items and the vehicle involved can be found online.