The improper disposal of waste affects everyone. Littering and illegal dumping can:

• Pollute ground and surface water. Rainwater washes over trash and percolates into groundwater, and trash is often tossed directly into lakes and streams.
  
• Introduce other health concerns that may result in illness and injury.
  
• Decrease the value of the property that contains the trash and adjacent properties.
  
• Attract other crime. "If it's safe to dump here, it's safe to do other illegal activities here."
  
• Discourage new residents and businesses.
  
• Decrease income. Potential customers may avoid businesses that are near or surrounded by trashy areas.
  
• Take away tax dollars that could be better spent to serve the community.
  
• Decrease community worth, which further impacts other social aspects of an area.
  
• Spoil the beauty of our lands.
  
• Injure wildlife.
  
• Damage equipment or cause accidents.

Other Enforcement Topics:

The Problem

What to do if You Witness Someone Littering or Dumping Trash

What to do if You Find a Dump

The Laws

Contacting an Agency

Beyond Enforcement...Other Ways to Help