Parks, vacant lots, and abandoned properties in West Atlanta are turning into dumping grounds, littered with busted furniture, worn tires, and other bulk trash — and community members say their complaints are going unresolved.
“They’re dumping into the streams, dumping in ditches, roads, any place they can do a quick drop-off,” said Khalifa Lee, chair of Neighborhood Planning Unit H, which oversees Adamsville, Bankhead, and other adjacent areas.
Lee, 39, said forests and proximity to major thoroughfares makes Westside especially susceptible to illegal dumping, which he described as a continuous problem that causes blight and negatively impacts community pride and quality of life.
He added that cleanup efforts are often in vain, as new waste has reappeared after areas are cleared.
Holding someone accountable for illegally dumping can be difficult without video footage or other forms of proof. Residents have noted in NPU-H meetings that cameras positioned in known dumping spots are either nonfunctional or ineffective.
“I’ve asked for cameras to go right in front of Herbert Greene [Park] for many years … because people would dump all types of things in that park, including entire cars,” Lee said.
This issue persists in other areas as well. Southwest Atlanta residents have been so plagued by illegal dumping that city officials increased the civil penalties earlier this year.
For those who are experiencing illegal dumping in their neighborhoods, this is how you can help to keep your community clean:
What is illegal dumping?
In Georgia, illegal dumping is defined as the unauthorized disposal of waste on roadsides, public or private property, or natural areas, like lakes and rivers.
Is illegal dumping a felony in Georgia?
Depending on the amount of waste that is dumped or the type of materials that are involved, illegal dumping can be considered a felony in Georgia.
A dumping incident involving hazardous or biomedical waste — like asbestos, oils, or electronic waste — is deemed as a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of $25,000 or less.
A person can also be charged with a felony in Georgia for dumping at least 500 pounds of waste on more than one occasion.
Illegal dumping on a smaller scale can be considered a misdemeanor, but all dumping can come at the consequence of harsh civil penalties.
What are the civil penalties for illegal dumping in Atlanta?
According to Atlanta’s ordinance, the penalties for illegal dumping could be any of the following:
- Fines of up to $1,000 per day until the trash is removed
- Community service
- Reimbursement of any costs incurred by the city related to the dumping
- Car impoundment
Any person or business performing work under a contract with the city that is found guilty of illegally dumping can face contract termination.
Those who illegally dump also risk the possibility of lawsuits from entities like the state’s Environmental Protection Division or the Environmental Protection Agency if the incident causes damage to the environment or the public’s health.
How do I report illegal dumping?
Atlanta residents can report illegal dumping in a variety of ways:
- Submit a case via ATL311, the city’s Customer Service Center, or by dialing (404) 546-0311 or 311 (within Atlanta city limits).
- You can also report the incident to the city’s illegal dumping tip line at (404) 546-DUMP (3867). If the tip leads to an arrest, the resident might be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000. Anonymous tips are welcomed.
How can I properly dispose of waste materials?
Atlanta residents can visit the city’s Office of Solid Waste Services website to find their collection schedule, schedule a bulk pickup, and learn recycling guidelines.
To schedule a bulk collection for large items like furniture and mattresses, you can dial (404) 546-0311 or 311 (within Atlanta city limits), or visit ATL311.com.
There are some restrictions, though. The city will not collect tires, motor vehicle parts, and construction materials. Residents can check the Centers for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHARM) website to see if their materials will be accepted there. Appointments are required for drop-offs.
