As a result of an equipment grant award from Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, Collier Township, Allegheny County, was able to identify and cite three individuals for illegal dumping in Collier Township. 

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful awarded the Township surveillance equipment that Collier Township officials then placed at active illegal dumping sites, many of them along remote stretches of rural roads.

On July 30th and August 8th, through this program, Collier Police have identified and issued citations to Corwin and Danielle Cosentino of South Fayette Township and Albert Jon Spader of Scott Township for dumping old furniture and other materials. 

All three individuals were fined up to a maximum fine of $1,000 and will be responsible for the costs associated to properly dispose of the waste materials. 

The illegally dumped microwave and television could have been recycled for free at Best Buy and numerous other retailers.  Goodwill and Salvation Army accept furniture donations, even picking up for free.  There are various landfills and transfer stations throughout Allegheny County where debris can be legally disposed for an average price of $55.00/ton.  There are also frequent collection events held throughout the region to properly dispose or recycle a wide variety of items.

“Collier Township will not tolerate illegal dumping in our community.  These actions cause a serious blight to our community, jeopardize Collier’s rural charm and appeal, put a drain on our public services, and pollute our roadsides and creek-beds.  Collier Township Police and Code Enforcement stand ready and ever-vigilant to enforce all applicable illegal dumping and litter laws to ensure that Collier Township remains healthy, welcoming and a pleasant place to live and work.” said Township Manager, Sal Sirabella.

Collier Township will continue to operate this surveillance equipment throughout the Township aimed at apprehending persons who take to illegal dumping. 

“We thank Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful for doing what they do best, helping to keep Collier Township and our entire Commonwealth beautiful,” remarked Manager Sirabella.

“We are excited to see the Illegal Dump Surveillance Support Pilot Program working as it was intended to work.  Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful supplies high tech surveillance cameras and support to municipalities and local organizations to help identify illegal dumpers,” said Shannon Reiter, President, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.  “It is the local commitment, dedication, and strong enforcement partnerships that bring it full-circle, as it has in Collier Township.”

Questions regarding proper disposal or recycling for any items may be answered by calling the Allegheny County Health Department at 412-687-ACHD (2243) or visiting their website and downloading the Recycling Resource Directory.

NewsClip: Hidden Cameras Catch Illegal Dumping In Collier Twp.

8/26/2013