This spring through a partnership between Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, the Washington County Court System Furlough Into Service Program, local officials, and law enforcement continue to remove illegal dumpsites in Washington County and enforce local laws relating to  illegal dumping of waste.

The WCCS appointed a dedicated employee to oversee the cleaning of as many of the remaining dumpsites that were identified in the Washington County Illegal Dump Survey, completed in 2005 by Keep PA Beautiful.

To date, the partnership, started in 2011, has removed 261,000 pounds of trash and 3,200 tires. Thanks to the generous support of local landfills, County Hauling Corp, Tervita – Westmoreland Waste LLC, Waste Management, Inc., and Lawver Tire Disposal, who have provided a reduced rate for the cost of the disposal of the trash and tires.

As a means of deterring subsequent dumping, signs and high-tech cameras will be erected at previously cleaned sites as well as random sites throughout the County. The cameras are capable of capturing license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions in day or night.

All evidence gathered from these cameras will be used to prosecute individuals to the fullest extent of the law. The cameras will be repositioned around the county as needed.

Questions regarding proper disposal of waste and recycling in Washington County can be answered by Jason Theakston, Recycling Coordinator, Washington County Planning Commission, at 724-228-6811, or by sending email to: theakstj@co.washington.pa.us.

Other county illegal dump surveys can be found on the Keep PA Beautiful website.

3/24/2014