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Illegal dumping is disposal of waste in an unpermitted area. It is also referred to as open dumping, fly dumping, and midnight dumping because materials are often dumped in open areas, from vehicles along roadsides, and late at night. Typical dumpsites contain household trash, large bulky items
such as appliances, furniture and tires as well as construction and demolition
debris. |
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The health risks associated with illegal dumping are significant. Areas used for
illegal dumping may be easily accessible to people, especially children, who are vulnerable to the physical (protruding nails or sharp edges) and chemical (harmful fluids or dust) hazards posed by wastes. In addition, illegal dumping can impact proper drainage of runoff, making areas more susceptible to flooding when wastes block ravines, creeks, culverts, and drainage basing. Runoff from dump sites containing chemicals may contaminate wells and surface water used as resources of drinking water. Countless neighborhoods have been evacuated and property damage has been significant because of dump sites that caught fire, either by spontaneous combustion or, more commonly, by arson. If not addressed, illegal dumps often attract more waste, potentially including hazardous wastes such as asbestos, household chemicals and paints, automotive fluids, and commercial or industrial wastes. |