Harrisburg is leaning on the community and technology to fight illegal dumping.”We just want a cleaner environment. That’s it,” Muhammad Griffin said.Griffin takes some time every day to clean up his neighborhood. The trash that often piles up near his home isn’t just an eyesore; it can attract rodents and bring down the quality of life.”They’re looking for food, and the odor can start going into people’s homes,” Griffin said.”Blight and illegal dumping have been a massive issue in the city for as long as I can remember,” Councilman Ralph Rodriguez said.Rodriguez and public works director Dave West announced five volunteer-driven community cleanup events starting next month.But beyond asking the community for help, West said the city has recently started deploying a dozen cameras and license plate readers at dumping hotspots to catch people responsible.”We need the help. If you gain any information, please inform us. You will remain anonymous,” West said.Griffin said stopping illegal dumping starts with people doing the right thing with their trash and junk.”Just throw it in the trash can. It’s simple,” he said.The city said illegal dumping cost Harrisburg taxpayers $120,000 last year.The community cleanup dates and locations for Hotspot Saturdays are as follows:June 17 – Camp Curtin, UptownJuly 22 – Cloverly Heights, Southside HarrisburgAug. 12 – Allison HillSept. 16 – MidtownOct. 7 – South 13th Street (near Hanover Street), Southside Harrisburg
Harrisburg is leaning on the community and technology to fight illegal dumping.
“We just want a cleaner environment. That’s it,” Muhammad Griffin said.
Griffin takes some time every day to clean up his neighborhood. The trash that often piles up near his home isn’t just an eyesore; it can attract rodents and bring down the quality of life.
“They’re looking for food, and the odor can start going into people’s homes,” Griffin said.
“Blight and illegal dumping have been a massive issue in the city for as long as I can remember,” Councilman Ralph Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez and public works director Dave West announced five volunteer-driven community cleanup events starting next month.
But beyond asking the community for help, West said the city has recently started deploying a dozen cameras and license plate readers at dumping hotspots to catch people responsible.
“We need the help. If you gain any information, please inform us. You will remain anonymous,” West said.
Griffin said stopping illegal dumping starts with people doing the right thing with their trash and junk.
“Just throw it in the trash can. It’s simple,” he said.
The city said illegal dumping cost Harrisburg taxpayers $120,000 last year.
The community cleanup dates and locations for Hotspot Saturdays are as follows:
- June 17 – Camp Curtin, Uptown
- July 22 – Cloverly Heights, Southside Harrisburg
- Aug. 12 – Allison Hill
- Sept. 16 – Midtown
- Oct. 7 – South 13th Street (near Hanover Street), Southside Harrisburg