Marion County reports 21 illegal dumping cases, 4 fines issued for June 2021

Marion County Solid Waste Code Enforcement Officers managed 21 illegal dumping cases throughout the county and issued 4 civil fines in the month of June.

The information is part of the Solid Waste Operations Report presented to the Marion County Board of County Commissioners on August 3. 

The report shows that during the month, Solid Waste Code Enforcement Officers investigated 21 illegal dumping cases throughout the county, as well as 7 case of littering/leaving garbage outside of closed recycling centers. 

Four civil fines, each for $68, were issued for “illegal dumping of waste weighing less than 15 pounds,” according to the report. 

Code officers routinely provide spot checks at all recycle convenience centers to verify users are Marion County residents and not commercial businesses, says the report. During those checks, officers verify that users are disposing of waste as outlined in the Solid Waste Resolution.

In June, over 108,000 pounds of litter were collected. In 2020, over 1.5 million pounds of litter were collected throughout Marion County. 

In recent months, Marion County officials have placed a renewed focus on educating the public about litter and illegal dumping, as well as the consequences for both. 

In June, Marion County government teamed up with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office to warn residents who illegally dump that they could face fines, including possible jail time.

Local non-profit organizations and businesses have offered volunteer services as part of the effort to beautify the county. One such group, the Marion County Community Cleanup Crew, has already hosted two volunteer cleanup events. 

The Marion County Litter Task Force is currently taking shape and aiming for a September 2021 launch. Created by Marion County government officials, the group aims to educate residents on littering in addition to providing cleanup services throughout the county.