As part of the Forest Lands Beautification Program, municipalities in and abutting state forests and parks are being offered free technical assistance to help meet the challenges of comprehensive solid waste management and to explore ways to prevent illegal dumping.

The free consultations are available through the Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania (PROP), one of DCNR's program partners. PROP staff members meet with local officials to review existing solid waste practices and ordinances and identify services that may help abate illegal dumping.

In addition, PROP provides municipal officials with the following educational materials:

• Fact sheets on recycling and hard to dispose items
  
• Enforcement procedures
  
• Recycling and waste reduction practices
  
• Model ordinances
  
• Guides for special waste collections
  
• Newsletters
  
• Model brochures and flyers

The technical assistance targets areas identified by municipalities responding to a survey conducted by PROP and PA CleanWays, in which the following were viewed as the major factors that could deter illegal dumping:

• Comprehensive recycling programs
  
• Sound local ordinances and aggressive enforcement
  
• Extensive local collection services
  
• Convenient and affordable recycling and disposal facilities.

The assistance is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, with priority given to municipalities in and abutting state forests and parks with active illegal dumping sites. PROP is working on this project in partnership with PA CleanWays-State and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.

To request free technical assistance, e-mail PROP or phone toll-free 1-800-769-7767.

Learn more about proper disposal.