Guidelines for Littering and Illegal Dumping … › wp-content › uploads › ...itle 30, Chapter...

Five Steps for Successful Enforcement Five Steps for Successful Enforcement

Guidelines for LitteringGuidelines for LitteringGuidelines for LitteringGuidelines for LitteringGuidelines for Litteringand Illegal Dumpingand Illegal Dumpingand Illegal Dumpingand Illegal Dumpingand Illegal Dumping

EnforcementEnforcementEnforcementEnforcementEnforcement

5 Steps for Successful Enforcement5 Steps for Successful Enforcement5 Steps for Successful Enforcement5 Steps for Successful Enforcement5 Steps for Successful Enforcement © 2001 Keep Pennsylvania BeautifulPrinted on Recycled Paper using vegetable based inks.

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful105 West 4th Street

Greensburg, PA 15601-2981Toll free: (877) 772-3673

(724) 836-4121www.keeppabeautiful.org

www.gacofpa.org

For more information, contact:

All information is subject to change. Verified and accurate as of February 2013


TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTS

17

OUR MISSION

Empowering Pennsylvanians to make our communities clean and

beautiful.

OUR VISION

A clean and beautiful Pennsylvania.

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Education- the key to encourage positive behaviors toward com-

munity improvement. | Individual Responsibility- Improving com-

munities, their environment and quality of life all begins with

personal responsibility. | Public-Private Partnerships- Broad-based

community alliances are essential to achieve sustainable communi-

ty improvement. | Volunteer Action- By engaging volunteers, we

extend the reach of our educational efforts and multiply the

impact of our actions.

About Keep Pennsylvania BeautifulAbout Keep Pennsylvania BeautifulAbout Keep Pennsylvania BeautifulAbout Keep Pennsylvania BeautifulAbout Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful

Introduction......................................................................1

STEP 1 – Knowing the Facts about

Littering and Illegal Dumping................2, 3

STEP 2 – Witnessing and Reporting Littering

and Illegal Dumping................................4, 5

STEP 3 – Contacting an Enforcement Agency......6, 7

STEP 4 – Prosecuting Littering and

Illegal Dumping........................................8, 9

STEP 5 – Going beyond Enforcement......................10

Suggested Contacts......................................................11

Appendix A – Pennsylvania’s Littering and

Illegal Dumping Laws...................12, 13

Appendix B – Pennsylvania’s Littering and Illegal

Dumping Enforcement Agencies.....14

Agency Contacts.....................................................15, 16

About Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful...........................17


1

Five Steps forFive Steps forFive Steps forFive Steps forFive Steps forSuccessful EnforcementSuccessful EnforcementSuccessful EnforcementSuccessful EnforcementSuccessful Enforcement

IntroductionArticle I of the Pennsylvania Constitution states “ the people have a

right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic,

historic, and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania’s public

natural resources are the common property of all the people, including

generations yet to come.”

Litter is everywhere across Pennsylvania lining our roadways,

waterways, and greenways. Illegal dumpsites also plague our remote

and isolated places. It is disgusting, degrades our communities, and is

a real problem throughout Pennsylvania. However, with some time,

basic information, good contacts, and a “working-together” approach,

our “right” can be protected. This booklet provides basic enforcement

information that enables caring citizens to effectively work with

Pennsylvania’s enforcement agencies to help stop this unsightly and

damaging behavior. While Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is not an

enforcement agency, this booklet may be used as a step-by-step guide

when littering or illegal dumping is witnessed or found.

16

NORTHEAST REGION (570) 675-1143(Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour,

Northumberland, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming)

SOUTHEAST REGION (610) 926-3136(Berks, Bucks, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh,

Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, Schuylkill)

NORTHCENTRAL REGION (570) 398-4744(Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Lycoming, McKean, Potter,

Tioga, Union)

SOUTHCENTRAL REGION (814) 643-1831(Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon,

Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Snyder, York)

NORTHWEST REGION (814) 432-3187(Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer,

Venango, Warren)

SOUTHWEST REGION (724) 238-9523(Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana,

Somerset, Washington, Westmoreland)

Notes:Notes:Notes:Notes:Notes:

PA Game Commission


2 15

STEP 1STEP 1STEP 1STEP 1STEP 1Knowing the Facts aboutKnowing the Facts aboutKnowing the Facts aboutKnowing the Facts aboutKnowing the Facts about

Littering and Illegal DumpingLittering and Illegal DumpingLittering and Illegal DumpingLittering and Illegal DumpingLittering and Illegal DumpingLittering and illegal dumping are acts of improper disposal of trash.

However, there are subtle differences between the two.

Litter is primarily small items that are scattered about – items such

as paper, food containers, beverage containers, convenience products,

newspapers, vehicle debris, and cardboard. Littering can be an

intentional act or it can be accidental. Some of the trash found along

roadways is the result of unintentional behavior such as items blown

from yards and vehicles, lost items, or debris leftover from accidents.

While litter is often easy to remove, keeping an area litter free can

be costly and time consuming.

Illegal dumping is always an intentional act and is done for many

reasons – cost, convenience, ignorance, habit, profit, or to hide other

illegal activities. Illegal dumping often involves large items or large

quantities of small items – appliances, tires, bags of daily trash,

furniture, construction and demolition debris, and other household

wastes. Illegal dumpsites are often difficult and costly to clean up,

and they take a greater toll on the environment and surrounding

communities.

Littering and illegal dumping pose significant threats to the

environment and to the health and safety of both humans and animals

by:

• Polluting ground and surface water,

• Introducing health concerns that may result in illness

and injury,

• Decreasing the value of the property that contains

the trash and adjacent properties,

NORTHEAST (570) 826-2511(Carbon, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike,

Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming)

SOUTHEAST (484) 250-5900(Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia)

NORTHCENTRAL (570) 327-3636(Bradford, Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming,

Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, Union)

SOUTHCENTRAL (717) 705-4700(Adams, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton,

Huntingdon, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, York)

NORTHWEST (814) 332-6945(Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mckean,

Mercer, Venango, Warren)

SOUTHWEST (412) 442-4000(Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana,


PA Department of Environmental Protection

PA Fish and Boat Commission

NORTHEAST (570) 477-5717(Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike,

Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming)

SOUTHEAST (717) 626-0228(Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery,

Northampton, Philadelphia, Schuylkill)

NORTHCENTRAL (814) 359-5250(Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean,

Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Tioga, Union)

SOUTHCENTRAL (717) 486-7087(Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton,

Huntingdon, Juniata, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, York)

NORTHWEST (814) 337-0444(Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango,

Warren)




14 3

• Attracting additional dumping and other crimes,

• Discouraging new residents and businesses,

• Decreasing income,

• Taking away tax dollars that could be better spent to

serve the community,

• Decreasing community worth,

• Spoiling the beauty of our lands,

• Damaging equipment or causing accidents.

Any improper disposal of trash – littering or illegal dumping – is

against the law and violators can be prosecuted. Numerous agencies

enforce laws addressing improper disposal of trash. The Pennsylvania

General Assembly (www.pacode.com) created and enacted our

littering and dumping laws. In addition, county and municipal

governments create and enact ordinances that are specific within

their local boundaries. A summary of Pennsylvania’s littering and

illegal dumping laws can be found in Appendix A on pages 12 and 13.

Methamphetamine Lab Waste Warning

PA State Police

Enforces Pennsylvania’s Crime

and Vehicle Codes and educates

citizens all across Pennsylvania.

The area is not covered by

a local police department;

Littering and illegal

dumping occurs on public

land, such as a state road

right-of-way; and littering

and illegal dumping

occurs on private land,

and the complainant owns

that land which is not

covered by a local police

department.

Contact closest State

Police Station. Depart-

ment Headquarters,

1800 Elmerton Avenue,

Harrisburg, PA 17110

www.psp.state.pa.us

(717) 783-5599

Illegal dumping only has

occurred.Contact appropriate

regional office.

Rachel Carson State

Office Building, 400

Market Street,


www.depweb.state.pa.us

(717) 783-2300

The trash lies in or near

surface waters.

Contact appropriate

regional office.1601

Elmerton Avenue, P.O.

Box 67000, Harrisburg,

PA 17106-7000

www.fish.state.pa.us

(717) 705-7800

Litter and illegal dumping

occurs on State Game

Lands and on private

property that is open to

hunting and furtaking.

Contact appropriate

regional office. 2001

Elmerton Avenue,

Harrisburg, PA 17110-

9797

www.pgc.state.pa.us

(717) 787-4250


impacts State Parks and

State Forests.

Appendix B

Pennsylvania’s Littering and Illegal Dumping Enforcement Agencies

STATE AGENCY WILL RESPOND IF: CONTACT

Contact appropriate

State Park Office or

State Forest District

Office. Rachel Carson

State Office Building,

P.O. Box 8767, 400

Market Street,


8767

www.dcnr.state.pa.us

(717) 787-2869

PA Department of Conservation

and Natural Resources

Maintains Pennsylvania’s State

Parks and State Forests, enforces

State Parks and State Forests

Rules and Regulations, develops

community conservation

partnerships, provides environ-

mental education and outreach,

and provides information on the

state’s ecological and natural

resources.

PA Game Commission

Enforces hunting, trapping, and

wildlife regulations, promotes

wildlife, hunter/trapper, and

environmental education,

manages wildlife, and conducts

research.


Enforces fishing and boating

regulations, educates citizens,

manages fish hatcheries, and

enhances and preserves the

state’s aquatic environment.

PA Department of

Environmental Protection

Enforces and permits the Solid

Waste Management Act, Waste

Tire Recycling Act, Municipal

Waste Planning, Recycling and

Waste Reduction Act, and the

Clean Streams Law Act among

other regulations and educates

citizens.

A methamphetamine lab is an illegal operation set up to produce the

illegal stimulant, methamphetamine. There are several methods to produce

methamphetamine, but they all use a variety of chemicals including

explosives, solvents, metals, salts, and corrosives. The fumes, vapors, after

salts, and spillage associated with the manufacturing can be toxic.

Because it is an illegal activity, methamphetamine producers may dispose

of their labs, evidence, and production waste by dumping it. If you

discover propane tanks, tubing, duct-taped bottles or coolers, coffee filters

stained with a reddish tint, or a strong smell of ammonia or ether, stay

away from the area and call the local state police. Do not touch, move

or open any kind of tank or sealed container. Be aware that propane

tanks are often weakened and brittle due to the anhydrous ammonia

and are sensitive to any kind of movement or impact. The drug can also

be produced using only a two-liter soda bottle. Do not touch two-liter

soda bottles that contain a brown and white sludge.


4

STEP 2STEP 2STEP 2STEP 2STEP 2Witnessing and ReportingWitnessing and ReportingWitnessing and ReportingWitnessing and ReportingWitnessing and Reporting

Littering and Illegal DumpingLittering and Illegal DumpingLittering and Illegal DumpingLittering and Illegal DumpingLittering and Illegal Dumping

If littering or illegal dumping is witnessed first-hand, obtain details

and turn them over to an enforcement agency as soon as possible.

Remember that safety is essential, so do not approach the suspected

violator or enter into a dangerous situation.

Helpful information for successful prosecutions includes:

• License plate number and description of vehicle

involved,

• Number of persons involved with descriptions of

each,

• Date and time of incident,

• Location and/or directions,

• Ownership of the site, if known,

• Witness’s contact information, if additional

information or follow ups are needed.

If a vehicle is involved, the owner of the vehicle is responsible for

trash dropped, thrown, or deposited from the vehicle, regardless of

who committed the offense. The license number may be all that is

needed to report; however, the more information provided, the

stronger the case.

If it is believed that crucial evidence may be blown away or scattered

from the original point of littering, consider taking time and date-

stamped photos of potential evidence and carefully collecting

evidence with rubber gloves and paper bags for the enforcement

agency.

13PA

Fis

h a

nd

Bo

at C

od

e, T

itle

30,

Ch

apte

r 25

Co

ve

rs litte

rin

g a

nd

ille

ga

l d

um

pin

g o

n C

om

mis

-

sio

n-o

wn

ed

or

co

ntr

olle

d p

rop

ert

y a

nd

in

or

alo

ng

wa

ters

or

lan

ds a

dja

ce

nt

to o

r co

ntig

uo

us t

o w

ate

rs

of

the

Co

mm

on

we

alth

.

PA

En

viro

nm

enta

l Pro

tect

ion

Co

de,

Tit

le 2

5R

eg

ula

tio

ns a

re d

eri

ve

d f

rom

th

e S

olid

Wa

ste

Ma

na

ge

me

nt A

ct,

Wa

ste

Tir

e R

ecyclin

g A

ct,

Mu

nic

ipa

l W

aste

Pla

nn

ing

, R

ecyclin

g a

nd

Wa

ste

Re

du

ctio

n A

ct,

an

d t

he

Cle

an

Str

ea

ms L

aw

. T

his

co

de

ma

ke

s it

un

law

ful fo

r a

nyo

ne

to

dis

po

se

of

wa

ste

, w

ith

in t

he

co

mm

on

we

alth

, a

t a

nyw

he

re o

the

r

tha

n t

o a

fa

cili

ty t

ha

t h

as a

DE

P p

erm

it t

o o

pe

rate

.

It a

lso

re

qu

ire

s v

eh

icle

s u

se

d t

o h

au

l w

aste

to

be

ap

pro

pri

ate

ly m

ark

ed

an

d m

ee

t o

the

r re

str

ictio

ns.

Th

e e

xce

ptio

n is in

div

idu

als

ha

ulin

g t

he

ir o

wn

mu

nic

ipa

l w

aste

to

a p

erm

itte

d f

acili

ty.

De

pe

nd

ing

on

th

e v

iola

tio

n:

As a

civ

il p

en

alty,

fin

e c

an

be

as h

igh

as $

25

,00

0

pe

r o

ffe

nse

.

As a

cri

min

al

pe

na

lty,

fin

e c

an

be

be

twe

en

$1

00

an

d $

50

0,0

00

pe

r in

cid

en

t d

ep

en

din

g o

n t

he

typ

e

of

off

en

se

(i.e

. su

mm

ary

off

en

se

, m

isd

em

ea

no

r,

felo

ny)

an

d d

eg

ree

.

Ve

hic

les c

an

be

se

ize

d a

nd

fo

rfe

ite

d t

o t

he

de

pa

rtm

en

t if u

se

d t

o v

iola

te a

ny r

eg

ula

tio

n

pe

rta

inin

g t

o t

he

tra

nsp

ort

atio

n o

f w

aste

.

PA

De

pa

rtm

en

t o

f E

nvir

on

me

nta

l

Pro

tectio

n (D

EP

)

Bu

rea

u o

f W

aste

Ma

na

ge

me

nt

Bu

rea

u o

f W

ate

rsh

ed

Ma

na

ge

me

nt

PA

Co

de,

Tit

le 1

7, C

hap

ters

11

& 2

1C

on

serv

atio

n a

nd

Nat

ura

l Res

ou

rces

, Sta

teP

arks

, an

d S

tate

Fo

rest

s R

ule

s an

dR

egu

lati

on

sC

ove

rs litte

rin

g a

nd

ille

ga

l d

um

pin

g in

Sta

te P

ark

s

an

d S

tate

Fo

rests

.

A s

um

ma

ry o

ffe

nse

un

de

r se

ctio

n 7

50

6 o

f th

e

Cri

me

s C

od

e. A

n a

dd

itio

na

l fin

e o

f $

10

ma

y b

e

imp

ose

d f

or

ea

ch

ite

m o

f lit

ter

thro

wn

, d

isca

rde

d,

left

, e

mitte

d,

or

de

po

site

d in

vio

latio

n o

f th

is

se

ct i

on

.

PA

DC

NR

Bu

rea

u o

f S

tate

Pa

rks

Bu

rea

u o

f F

ore

str

y

PA

Fis

h a

nd

Bo

at C

om

mis

sio

n

PA

Gam

e C

om

mis

sio

n

A s

um

ma

ry o

ffe

nse

un

de

r se

ctio

n 7

50

6 o

f th

e

Cri

me

s C

od

e. A

n a

dd

itio

na

l fin

e o

f $

10

ma

y b

e

imp

ose

d f

or

ea

ch

ite

m o

f lit

ter

thro

wn

, d

isca

rde

d,

left

, e

mitte

d,

or

de

po

site

d in

vio

latio

n o

f th

is

se

ct i

on

.

PA

DE

P

PA

Fis

h a

nd

Bo

at C

om

mis

sio

n

PA

Gam

e C

om

mis

sio

n

Va

rie

s b

y m

un

icip

alit

y.L

oca

l C

od

e E

nfo

rce

me

nt

Off

ice

s

Lo

ca

l S

olid

Wa

ste

Au

tho

ritie

s

Co

un

ty H

ea

lth

De

pa

rtm

en

ts

PA

Gam

e an

d W

ildlif

e C

od

e, T

itle

34,

Ch

apte

r 25

Co

ve

rs litte

rin

g a

nd

ille

ga

l d

um

pin

g o

n S

tate

Ga

me

La

nd

s o

r o

n l

an

ds o

r w

ate

rs o

pe

n t

o p

ub

lic

hu

ntin

g o

r fu

rta

kin

g.

A s

um

ma

ry o

ffe

nse

of

the

th

ird

de

gre

e r

esu

ltin

g i

n

a f

ine

of

no

t le

ss t

ha

n $

20

0 n

or

mo

re t

ha

n $

50

0,

wh

ich

ca

n b

e d

ou

ble

d f

or

su

bse

qu

en

t o

ffe

nse

s.

An

ad

ditio

na

l fin

e o

f $

10

ma

y b

e i

mp

ose

d f

or

ea

ch

ite

m o

f lit

ter

thro

wn

, d

isca

rde

d,

left

, e

mitte

d,

or

de

po

site

d i

n v

iola

tio

n o

f th

is s

ectio

n.

PA

Fis

h a

nd

Bo

at C

om

mis

sio

n

PA

Gam

e C

om

mis

sio

n

Lo

cal O

rdin

ance

sC

ove

r lit

teri

ng

, ill

eg

al d

um

pin

g,

an

d s

tora

ge

of

wa

ste

. O

rdin

an

ce

s m

ay v

ary

in

diffe

ren

t

mu

nic

ipa

litie

s.


12 5

PA

Veh

icle

Co

de,

Tit

le 7

5, C

hap

ter

37C

ove

rs l

itte

r a

nd

wa

ste

dro

pp

ed

, th

row

n,

or

de

po

site

d f

rom

a v

eh

icle

th

at

lan

ds u

po

n a

ny

hig

hw

ay,

oth

er

pu

bl ic

or

pri

va

te p

rop

ert

y w

i th

ou

t

the

co

nse

nt

of

the

ow

ne

r, o

r in

to o

r o

n t

he

wa

ters

of

the

Co

mm

on

we

alth

. V

eh

icle

ow

ne

rs a

re

resp

on

sib

le e

ve

n i

f th

e o

wn

er

wa

s n

ot

dri

vin

g o

r

wa

s n

ot

in t

he

ve

hic

le.

A s

um

ma

ry o

ffe

nse

an

d,

up

on

co

nvic

tio

n,

ma

y b

e

se

nte

nce

d t

o e

ith

er

or

bo

th:

1.

To

pa

y a

fin

e o

f n

ot

mo

re t

ha

n $

90

0 in

an

ea

se

me

nt

pu

rch

ase

d u

nd

er

the

Ag

ricu

l tu

ral

Are

a S

ecu

rity

La

w,

$6

00

in

an

ag

ricu

ltu

ral

se

cu

rity

are

a,

or

$3

00

an

yw

he

re e

lse

.

2.

To

pic

k u

p a

nd

re

mo

ve

litte

r fo

r n

ot

less t

ha

n 8

ho

urs

no

r m

ore

th

an

16

ho

urs

fo

r th

e f

irst

co

nvic

tio

n.

Lo

ca

l Po

lice

PA

Sta

te P

olic

e

PA

De

pa

rtm

en

t o

f C

on

se

rva

tio

n a

nd

Na

tura

l R

eso

urc

es (

DC

NR

)

B

ure

au

of

Sta

te P

ark

s

B

ure

au

of

Fo

restr

y

(i

n s

tate

pa

rks &

fo

rests

on

ly)

PA

Veh

icle

Co

de,

Tit

le 7

5, C

hap

ter

49C

ove

rs e

sca

pe

d v

eh

icle

lo

ad

s t

ha

t ca

use

in

jury

to

a p

ers

on

or

da

ma

ge

to

an

oth

er

ve

hic

le o

r o

the

r

pro

pe

rty a

s a

re

su

lt o

f im

pro

pe

r se

cu

rin

g o

f su

ch

load.

A s

um

ma

ry o

ffe

nse

an

d,

up

on

co

nvic

tio

n,

ma

y b

e

se

nte

nce

d:

1

. To

pa

y a

fin

e o

f n

ot

less t

ha

n $

10

0 n

or

mo

re

th

an

$3

00

if

the

vio

latio

n r

esu

lts in

no

in

jury

or

d

am

ag

e.

2

. To

pa

y a

fin

e o

f n

ot

less t

ha

n $

30

0 n

or

mo

re

th

an

$1

,00

0 if

the

vio

latio

n r

esu

lts in

in

jury

to

a

p

ers

on

or

da

ma

ge

to

an

oth

er

ve

hic

le o

r o

the

r

p

rop

ert

y.

Lo

ca

l Po

l ice

PA

Sta

te P

olic

e

PA

DC

NR

Bu

rea

u o

f S

tate

Pa

rks

Bu

rea

u o

f F

ore

str

y

(in

sta

te p

ark

s &

fo

rests

on

ly)

PA

Cri

mes

Co

de,

Tit

le 1

8, C

hap

ter

65C

ove

rs l

itte

r o

r w

aste

de

po

site

d i

nto

or

up

on

an

y

roa

d o

r ri

gh

t-o

f-w

ay,

la

nd

of

an

oth

er,

or

into

th

e

wa

ters

of

the

Co

mm

on

we

alth

. T

his

ca

n i

nclu

de

so

me

on

e ille

ga

lly d

isp

osin

g t

he

ir t

rash

or

so

me

on

e

wh

o i

s p

aid

to

dis

po

se

of

tra

sh

.

A s

um

ma

ry o

ffe

nse

fo

r th

e f

irst

off

en

se

an

d u

po

n

co

nvic

tio

n t

he

reo

f sh

all

be

se

nte

nce

d t

o p

ay a

fin

e

of

no

t le

ss t

ha

n $

50

no

r m

ore

th

an

$3

00

or

to

imp

riso

nm

en

t fo

r n

ot

mo

re t

ha

n 9

0 d

ays,

or

bo

th.

Lo

ca

l Po

lice

PA

Sta

te P

olic

e

PA

Fis

h a

nd

Bo

at C

om

mis

sio

n

PA

Gam

e C

om

mis

sio

n

PA

DC

NR

Bu

rea

u o

f S

tate

Pa

rks

Bu

rea

u o

f F

ore

str

y

(in

sta

te p

ark

s &

fo

rests

on

ly)

Appen

dix

A - P

ennsy

lvania

’s L

itte

ring

and Ille

gal D

um

pin

g La

ws

LA

W

PE

NA

LTY

EN

FO

RC

EM

EN

T A

GE

NC

IES

(w

ith

in J

uri

sdic

tio

ns)

Illegal dumpsites should be reported to the appropriate enforcement

agency as soon as possible (See Step 3 on pages 6 and 7). If the

property is publicly owned or permission to enter from the private

property owner has been granted, the trash may be accessed.

Document any potential evidence with time and date-stamped

photos; however, do not disturb or remove any of the trash. Evidence

tends to be in the form of mail or bills, magazines, medicine bottles,

receipts, or pizza boxes that contain someone’s name. Be aware

that picking through trash poses some health and safety risks. If the

property owner is unknown, simply report the location and stay out.

It is always better if an enforcement agent finds the evidence

undisturbed. The agent is properly trained and empowered, and this

prevents any question of evidence tampering. The agent is able to

testify that the evidence was part of the dump and reduces the

chances of others being called upon to testify in court. However,

additional testimonies may be needed, and it is always helpful and

appreciated if individuals are willing to testify in court from the

beginning.

A timely report, along with clear evidence, could help identify the

person(s) responsible for the dumping. Delayed reporting decreases

the chances for successful prosecution and the size of the dump may

grow.

Report older dumpsites, too, since they may have never been reported.

This information adds to data collected by some municipalities or

counties and may result in increased surveillance of the site. If

interested in going beyond just reporting the problem, contact Keep

Pennsylvania Beautiful. They may be aware of efforts or groups that

may be interested in organizing a cleanup or help start one.


6 11

Step 3Step 3Step 3Step 3Step 3Contacting an EnforcementContacting an EnforcementContacting an EnforcementContacting an EnforcementContacting an Enforcement

AgencyAgencyAgencyAgencyAgency

Enforcement agents are trained to investigate complaints, collect

evidence, and take cases to court. They have the authority to conduct

inspections and are trained to identify and gather evidence to make

a legal case. They may also want to partner with other groups and

individuals to tackle the problem.

By contacting an agency, there is the benefit of anonymity, since most

agencies have confidentiality policies. Anonymity may also help

protect against any countersuits of libel. However, the Pennsylvania

Right-to-Know Law may interfere, and testifying in court may be

important to a case, especially if littering or illegal dumping is

witnessed first-hand.

If a case goes to court, the agency acts as the plaintiff. Enforcement

agents determine the strength of a case when deciding to press

charges. Attending the hearing is part of an agency’s responsibilities

and may eliminate the need for other testimonies.

A complaint can be filed individually through the appropriate District

Justice with jurisdiction in the area of the violation; however, the

responsibility of proving that a crime was committed is assumed by

the individual. There is also the risk of a countersuit if the court

does not find the defendant guilty.

Working with state and local agents:

• Sends a message that this behavior is unlawful and

unacceptable,

• Increases the rate of successful prosecutions,

Local Code Enforcement Officer

Local Police

County GovernmentConservation District

Health Department

Solid Waste Authority

Pennsylvania State Police

PA DCNR

PA DEP

PA Game Commission


State Representative

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Local Affiliate

Other

Suggested ContactsSuggested ContactsSuggested ContactsSuggested ContactsSuggested Contacts Name/Phone #/ Name/Phone #/ Name/Phone #/ Name/Phone #/ Name/Phone #/ Address Address Address Address Address


10 7

• Increases enforcement activity,

• Sets an example to others.

There are many reporting options, depending on whether the

property is publicly or privately owned, the property’s use, and

whether or not a local police department has jurisdiction. Many

factors apply to reporting, and additional agencies may need to be

contacted to ensure that the best suited agency handles the complaint.

Always start at the local level. Local officials are familiar with

properties and residents and should be able to respond quickly. Check

to see if any of the following local agencies exist.

• Local Police

• Municipal Code Enforcement

• County Code Enforcement

• County Solid Waste Authority

• County Health Department

If local agencies do not exist or their response is unsatisfactory, there

are other options. A list of Pennsylvania’s littering and illegal dumping

enforcement agencies are listed in Appendix B on Page 14.

Step 5Step 5Step 5Step 5Step 5Going Beyond EnforcementGoing Beyond EnforcementGoing Beyond EnforcementGoing Beyond EnforcementGoing Beyond Enforcement

Enforcement is only one aspect in the fight against littering and illegal

dumping. The following are other options that go beyond

enforcement.

• Dispose of trash properly and reduce, reuse, and

recycle whenever possible.

• Hire only licensed and reputable haulers for special

services. Many people assume that anyone paid to

collect trash is legitimate.

• Encourage the community to sponsor a Community

Cleanup Day.

• Volunteer in other local or statewide cleanups (such

as the Great American Cleanup of Pennsylvania) or

organize a cleanup*.

• Join Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful or inquire about

organizing a local affiliate if one does not exist in a

particular county or area.

• Adopt a local road, waterway, trail, greenway,

community, or another public area through the Keep

Pennsylvania Beautiful Adoption Program. Other

adoption programs across Pennsylvania exist at both

local and state levels, including PennDOT’s Adopt-a-

Highway Program for state maintained roads.

• Work with other individuals, groups, and agencies to

increase everyone’s sense of stewardship and

community.

*For more information, see Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s publication,

Guidelines for Illegal Dump Cleanups: 10 Steps to Organizing an

Illegal Dump Cleanup .


8 9

Step 4Step 4Step 4Step 4Step 4Prosecuting Littering andProsecuting Littering andProsecuting Littering andProsecuting Littering andProsecuting Littering and

Illegal DumpingIllegal DumpingIllegal DumpingIllegal DumpingIllegal Dumping

The Individual Approach

The approach - what is reported and how – can create an atmosphere

of cooperation and help strengthen an agency’s prosecution case.

• Become part of the solution. Be willing to work with

the agency or police, following the complaint through

to the cleanup.

• Be patient. The response may not be immediate.

• Be persistent. Not every report results in a successful

prosecution, but future reports may get better

responses.

• Take concerns to a higher level within the same

agency or to a different agency if the final response is

not satisfactory.

• Share contact information even if the complaint is

being handled anonymously. The agency may need

additional information. Anonymity may also affect the

priority of an agency response.

• Be a model and get involved.

The Agency Approach

After an incident is reported, the enforcement agency will send an

agent to investigate the problem to determine the extent of the

violations. If evidence is found:

• Agents can ask violators to remove litter or trash in

exchange for a reduced penalty,

• Police departments and some agencies can issue

citations at the site; other agencies issue Notices of

Violation,

• The agency can file a complaint with the local District

Justice.

If a case is especially blatant, it can be referred to the State Attorney

General by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental

Protection. Criminal cases heard by the Attorney General can result

in penalties or jail time, but may not result in a cleanup by the violator.

If no evidence is found, the enforcement agent can require a cleanup

or issue a citation to the property owner. Often agents are reluctant

to do this when they believe that the property owner is the victim

of other people’s behavior.

Following Up on Complaints

If the agency investigation or prosecution was not successful, the

best solution is to try and have the illegal dumpsite cleaned up. This

way, subsequent dumping will be easier to define and identify.

By all means, do not get discouraged. Every new complaint and

subsequent actions strengthen the message that littering and dumping

are illegal and that someone is watching. This may be enough to

change some individuals’ behavior for the better. Contact Keep

Pennsylvania Beautiful for information on how to successfully clean

up an illegal dumpsite.


10 7

• Increases enforcement activity,

• Sets an example to others.

There are many reporting options, depending on whether the

property is publicly or privately owned, the property’s use, and

whether or not a local police department has jurisdiction. Many

factors apply to reporting, and additional agencies may need to be

contacted to ensure that the best suited agency handles the complaint.

Always start at the local level. Local officials are familiar with

properties and residents and should be able to respond quickly. Check

to see if any of the following local agencies exist.

• Local Police

• Municipal Code Enforcement

• County Code Enforcement

• County Solid Waste Authority

• County Health Department

If local agencies do not exist or their response is unsatisfactory, there

are other options. A list of Pennsylvania’s littering and illegal dumping

enforcement agencies are listed in Appendix B on Page 14.

Step 5Step 5Step 5Step 5Step 5Going Beyond EnforcementGoing Beyond EnforcementGoing Beyond EnforcementGoing Beyond EnforcementGoing Beyond Enforcement

Enforcement is only one aspect in the fight against littering and illegal

dumping. The following are other options that go beyond

enforcement.

• Dispose of trash properly and reduce, reuse, and

recycle whenever possible.

• Hire only licensed and reputable haulers for special

services. Many people assume that anyone paid to

collect trash is legitimate.

• Encourage the community to sponsor a Community

Cleanup Day.

• Volunteer in other local or statewide cleanups (such

as the Great American Cleanup of Pennsylvania) or

organize a cleanup*.

• Join Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful or inquire about

organizing a local affiliate if one does not exist in a

particular county or area.

• Adopt a local road, waterway, trail, greenway,

community, or another public area through the Keep

Pennsylvania Beautiful Adoption Program. Other

adoption programs across Pennsylvania exist at both

local and state levels, including PennDOT’s Adopt-a-

Highway Program for state maintained roads.

• Work with other individuals, groups, and agencies to

increase everyone’s sense of stewardship and

community.

*For more information, see Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s publication,

Guidelines for Illegal Dump Cleanups: 10 Steps to Organizing an

Illegal Dump Cleanup .


6 11

Step 3Step 3Step 3Step 3Step 3Contacting an EnforcementContacting an EnforcementContacting an EnforcementContacting an EnforcementContacting an Enforcement

AgencyAgencyAgencyAgencyAgency

Enforcement agents are trained to investigate complaints, collect

evidence, and take cases to court. They have the authority to conduct

inspections and are trained to identify and gather evidence to make

a legal case. They may also want to partner with other groups and

individuals to tackle the problem.

By contacting an agency, there is the benefit of anonymity, since most

agencies have confidentiality policies. Anonymity may also help

protect against any countersuits of libel. However, the Pennsylvania

Right-to-Know Law may interfere, and testifying in court may be

important to a case, especially if littering or illegal dumping is

witnessed first-hand.

If a case goes to court, the agency acts as the plaintiff. Enforcement

agents determine the strength of a case when deciding to press

charges. Attending the hearing is part of an agency’s responsibilities

and may eliminate the need for other testimonies.

A complaint can be filed individually through the appropriate District

Justice with jurisdiction in the area of the violation; however, the

responsibility of proving that a crime was committed is assumed by

the individual. There is also the risk of a countersuit if the court

does not find the defendant guilty.

Working with state and local agents:

• Sends a message that this behavior is unlawful and

unacceptable,

• Increases the rate of successful prosecutions,

Local Code Enforcement Officer

Local Police

County GovernmentConservation District

Health Department

Solid Waste Authority

Pennsylvania State Police

PA DCNR

PA DEP

PA Game Commission


State Representative

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Local Affiliate

Other

Suggested ContactsSuggested ContactsSuggested ContactsSuggested ContactsSuggested Contacts Name/Phone #/ Name/Phone #/ Name/Phone #/ Name/Phone #/ Name/Phone #/ Address Address Address Address Address

Five Steps for Successful Enforcement


4

STE

P 2ST

EP 2

STE

P 2ST

EP 2

STE

P 2W

itnessing and Reporting

Witnessing and R

eportingW


Witnessing and R

eportingW


Littering and Illegal Dum

pingLittering and Illegal D

umping


pingLittering and Illegal D

umping


ping

If littering or illega

l dum

pin

g is witn

essed first-h

and, ob

tain

deta

ils

and tu

rn th

em over to a

n en

forcemen

t agen

cy as soon

as p

ossible.

Rem

ember th

at sa

fety is essentia

l, so do n

ot approa

ch th

e susp

ected

violator or en

ter into a

dangerou

s situation

.

Help

ful in

formation

for successfu

l prosecu

tions in

cludes:

•Licen

se pla

te num

ber a

nd d

escriptio

n o

f vehicle

invo

lved,

•N

um

ber of p

ersons in

volved w

ith d

escription

s of

each

,

•D

ate a

nd tim

e of incid

ent,

•Loca

tion a

nd/or d

irections,

•O

wnersh

ip of th

e site, if know

n,

•W

itness’s

conta

ct in

form

atio

n,

if additio

nal

inform

ation

or follow u

ps a

re need

ed.

If a veh

icle is involved

, the ow

ner of th

e vehicle is resp

onsib

le for

trash

drop

ped

, throw

n, or d

eposited

from th

e vehicle, rega

rdless of

who com

mitted

the offen

se. The licen

se num

ber m

ay b

e all th

at is

need

ed to rep

ort; how

ever, the m

ore inform

ation

provid

ed, th

e

stronger th

e case.

If it is believed

that cru

cial evid

ence m

ay b

e blow

n a

way or sca

ttered

from th

e original p

oint of litterin

g, consid

er takin

g time a

nd d

ate-

stam

ped

photo

s of p

oten

tial evid

ence a

nd ca

refully co

llecting

eviden

ce with

rubber gloves a

nd p

aper b

ags for th

e enforcem

ent

agency.

13 PA Fish and Boat Code, Title 30, Chapter 25

Covers littering and illegal dumping on Commis-

sion-owned or controlled property and in or along

waters or lands adjacent to or contiguous to waters

of the Commonwealth.

PA Environmental Protection Code, Title 25Regulations are derived from the Solid Waste

Management Act, Waste Tire Recycling Act,

Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste

Reduction Act, and the Clean Streams Law. This

code makes it unlawful for anyone to dispose of

waste, within the commonwealth, at anywhere other

than to a facility that has a DEP permit to operate.

It also requires vehicles used to haul waste to be

appropriately marked and meet other restrictions.

The exception is individuals hauling their own

municipal waste to a permitted facility.

Depending on the violation:

As a civil penalty, fine can be as high as $25,000

per offense.

As a criminal penalty, fine can be between $100

and $500,000 per incident depending on the type

of offense (i.e. summary offense, misdemeanor,

felony) and degree.

Vehicles can be seized and forfeited to the

department if used to violate any regulation

pertaining to the transportation of waste.

PA Department of Environmental

Protection (DEP)

Bureau of Waste Management

Bureau of Watershed Management

PA Code, Title 17, Chapters 11 & 21Conservation and Natural Resources, StateParks, and State Forests Rules andRegulationsCovers littering and illegal dumping in State Parks

and State Forests.

A summary offense under section 7506 of the

Crimes Code. An additional fine of $10 may be

imposed for each item of litter thrown, discarded,

left, emitted, or deposited in violation of this

section.

PA DCNR

Bureau of State Parks

Bureau of Forestry


PA Game Commission

A summary offense under section 7506 of the

Crimes Code. An additional fine of $10 may be

imposed for each item of litter thrown, discarded,

left, emitted, or deposited in violation of this

section.

PA DEP


PA Game Commission

Varies by municipality. Local Code Enforcement Offices

Local Solid Waste Authorities

County Health Departments

PA Game and Wildlife Code, Title 34,Chapter 25Covers littering and illegal dumping on State Game

Lands or on lands or waters open to public

hunting or furtaking.

A summary offense of the third degree resulting in

a fine of not less than $200 nor more than $500,

which can be doubled for subsequent offenses.

An additional fine of $10 may be imposed for each

item of litter thrown, discarded, left, emitted, or

deposited in violation of this section.


PA Game Commission

Local OrdinancesCover littering, illegal dumping, and storage of

waste. Ordinances may vary in different

municipalities.



12

5

PA Vehicle Code, Title 75, Chapter 37Covers litter and waste dropped, thrown, or

deposited from a vehicle that lands upon any

highway, other public or private property without

the consent of the owner, or into or on the waters

of the Commonwealth. Vehicle owners are

responsible even if the owner was not driving or

was not in the vehicle.

A summary offense and, upon conviction, may be

sentenced to either or both:

1. To pay a fine of not more than $900 in an

easement purchased under the Agricultural

Area Security Law, $600 in an agricultural

security area, or $300 anywhere else.

2. To pick up and remove litter for not less than 8

hours nor more than 16 hours for the first

conviction.

Local Police

PA State Police

PA Department of Conservation and

Natural Resources (DCNR)


Bureau of Forestry

(in state parks & forests only)

PA Vehicle Code, Title 75, Chapter 49Covers escaped vehicle loads that cause injury to

a person or damage to another vehicle or other

property as a result of improper securing of such

load.

A summary offense and, upon conviction, may be

sentenced:

1. To pay a fine of not less than $100 nor more

than $300 if the violation results in no injury or

damage.

2. To pay a fine of not less than $300 nor more

than $1,000 if the violation results in injury to a

person or damage to another vehicle or other

property.

Local Police

PA State Police

PA DCNR


Bureau of Forestry


PA Crimes Code, Title 18, Chapter 65Covers litter or waste deposited into or upon any

road or right-of-way, land of another, or into the

waters of the Commonwealth. This can include

someone illegally disposing their trash or someone

who is paid to dispose of trash.

A summary offense for the first offense and upon

conviction thereof shall be sentenced to pay a fine

of not less than $50 nor more than $300 or to

imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or both.

Local Police

PA State Police


PA Game Commission

PA DCNR


Bureau of Forestry


Appendix A - Pennsylvania’s Littering and Illegal Dumping Laws

LAW PENALTY ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES (within Jurisdictions)

Illegal d

um

psites sh

ould

be rep

orted to th

e approp

riate en

forcemen

t

agen

cy as soon

as p

ossible (See Step

3 on

pages 6

and 7

). If the

prop

erty is publicly ow

ned

or perm

ission to en

ter from th

e priva

te

prop

erty owner h

as b

een gra

nted

, the tra

sh m

ay b

e accessed

.

Docu

men

t any p

oten

tial evid

ence w

ith tim

e and d

ate-sta

mped

photos; how

ever, do not disturb or remove any of the trash. E

vidence

tends to b

e in th

e form of m

ail or b

ills, maga

zines, m

edicin

e bottles,

receipts, or p

izza b

oxes that con

tain

someon

e’s nam

e. Be a

ware

that p

icking th

rough

trash

poses som

e hea

lth a

nd sa

fety risks. If the

prop

erty owner is u

nkn

own, sim

ply rep

ort the loca

tion a

nd sta

y out.

It is alw

ays b

etter if an en

forcem

ent a

gent fin

ds th

e eviden

ce

undistu

rbed

. The a

gent is p

roperly tra

ined

and em

pow

ered, a

nd th

is

preven

ts any q

uestion

of eviden

ce tam

perin

g. The a

gent is a

ble to

testify that th

e eviden

ce was p

art of th

e dum

p a

nd red

uces th

e

chances of oth

ers bein

g called

upon

to testify in cou

rt. How

ever,

addition

al testim

onies m

ay b

e need

ed, a

nd it is a

lways h

elpfu

l and

apprecia

ted if in

divid

uals a

re willin

g to testify in cou

rt from th

e

begin

nin

g.

A tim

ely report, a

long w

ith clea

r eviden

ce, could

help

iden

tify the

person

(s) respon

sible for th

e dum

pin

g. Dela

yed rep

orting d

ecreases

the ch

ances for su

ccessful p

rosecution

and th

e size of the d

um

p m

ay

grow.

Rep

ort older dumpsites, too, since they m

ay have never been reported.

This in

formation

adds to d

ata

collected b

y some m

unicip

alities or

counties a

nd m

ay resu

lt in in

creased

surveilla

nce of th

e site. If

interested

in goin

g beyon

d ju

st reportin

g the p

roblem

, conta

ct Keep

Pennsylva

nia

Bea

utifu

l. They m

ay b

e aw

are of efforts or grou

ps th

at

may b

e interested

in orga

nizin

g a clea

nup or h

elp sta

rt one.


14 3

• Attracting additional dumping and other crimes,

• Discouraging new residents and businesses,

• Decreasing income,

• Taking away tax dollars that could be better spent to

serve the community,

• Decreasing community worth,

• Spoiling the beauty of our lands,

• Damaging equipment or causing accidents.

Any improper disposal of trash – littering or illegal dumping – is

against the law and violators can be prosecuted. Numerous agencies

enforce laws addressing improper disposal of trash. The Pennsylvania

General Assembly (www.pacode.com) created and enacted our

littering and dumping laws. In addition, county and municipal

governments create and enact ordinances that are specific within

their local boundaries. A summary of Pennsylvania’s littering and

illegal dumping laws can be found in Appendix A on pages 12 and 13.

Methamphetamine Lab Waste Warning

PA State Police

Enforces Pennsylvania’s Crime

and Vehicle Codes and educates

citizens all across Pennsylvania.

The area is not covered by

a local police department;

Littering and illegal

dumping occurs on public

land, such as a state road

right-of-way; and littering

and illegal dumping

occurs on private land,

and the complainant owns

that land which is not

covered by a local police

department.

Contact closest State

Police Station. Depart-

ment Headquarters,

1800 Elmerton Avenue,


www.psp.state.pa.us

(717) 783-5599

Illegal dumping only has

occurred.Contact appropriate

regional office.

Rachel Carson State

Office Building, 400

Market Street,


www.depweb.state.pa.us

(717) 783-2300

The trash lies in or near

surface waters.

Contact appropriate

regional office.1601

Elmerton Avenue, P.O.

Box 67000, Harrisburg,

PA 17106-7000

www.fish.state.pa.us

(717) 705-7800


occurs on State Game

Lands and on private

property that is open to

hunting and furtaking.

Contact appropriate

regional office. 2001

Elmerton Avenue,


9797

www.pgc.state.pa.us

(717) 787-4250


impacts State Parks and

State Forests.

Appendix B

Pennsylvania’s Littering and Illegal Dumping Enforcement Agencies

STATE AGENCY WILL RESPOND IF: CONTACT

Contact appropriate

State Park Office or

State Forest District

Office. Rachel Carson

State Office Building,

P.O. Box 8767, 400

Market Street,


8767

www.dcnr.state.pa.us

(717) 787-2869

PA Department of Conservation

and Natural Resources

Maintains Pennsylvania’s State

Parks and State Forests, enforces

State Parks and State Forests

Rules and Regulations, develops

community conservation

partnerships, provides environ-

mental education and outreach,

and provides information on the

state’s ecological and natural

resources.

PA Game Commission

Enforces hunting, trapping, and

wildlife regulations, promotes

wildlife, hunter/trapper, and

environmental education,

manages wildlife, and conducts

research.


Enforces fishing and boating

regulations, educates citizens,

manages fish hatcheries, and

enhances and preserves the

state’s aquatic environment.

PA Department of

Environmental Protection

Enforces and permits the Solid

Waste Management Act, Waste

Tire Recycling Act, Municipal

Waste Planning, Recycling and

Waste Reduction Act, and the

Clean Streams Law Act among

other regulations and educates

citizens.

A methamphetamine lab is an illegal operation set up to produce the

illegal stimulant, methamphetamine. There are several methods to produce

methamphetamine, but they all use a variety of chemicals including

explosives, solvents, metals, salts, and corrosives. The fumes, vapors, after

salts, and spillage associated with the manufacturing can be toxic.

Because it is an illegal activity, methamphetamine producers may dispose

of their labs, evidence, and production waste by dumping it. If you

discover propane tanks, tubing, duct-taped bottles or coolers, coffee filters

stained with a reddish tint, or a strong smell of ammonia or ether, stay

away from the area and call the local state police. Do not touch, move

or open any kind of tank or sealed container. Be aware that propane

tanks are often weakened and brittle due to the anhydrous ammonia

and are sensitive to any kind of movement or impact. The drug can also

be produced using only a two-liter soda bottle. Do not touch two-liter

soda bottles that contain a brown and white sludge.


2 15

STEP 1STEP 1STEP 1STEP 1STEP 1Knowing the Facts aboutKnowing the Facts aboutKnowing the Facts aboutKnowing the Facts aboutKnowing the Facts about

Littering and Illegal DumpingLittering and Illegal DumpingLittering and Illegal DumpingLittering and Illegal DumpingLittering and Illegal DumpingLittering and illegal dumping are acts of improper disposal of trash.

However, there are subtle differences between the two.

Litter is primarily small items that are scattered about – items such

as paper, food containers, beverage containers, convenience products,

newspapers, vehicle debris, and cardboard. Littering can be an

intentional act or it can be accidental. Some of the trash found along

roadways is the result of unintentional behavior such as items blown

from yards and vehicles, lost items, or debris leftover from accidents.

While litter is often easy to remove, keeping an area litter free can

be costly and time consuming.

Illegal dumping is always an intentional act and is done for many

reasons – cost, convenience, ignorance, habit, profit, or to hide other

illegal activities. Illegal dumping often involves large items or large

quantities of small items – appliances, tires, bags of daily trash,

furniture, construction and demolition debris, and other household

wastes. Illegal dumpsites are often difficult and costly to clean up,

and they take a greater toll on the environment and surrounding

communities.

Littering and illegal dumping pose significant threats to the

environment and to the health and safety of both humans and animals

by:

• Polluting ground and surface water,

• Introducing health concerns that may result in illness

and injury,

• Decreasing the value of the property that contains

the trash and adjacent properties,

NORTHEAST (570) 826-2511(Carbon, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike,

Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming)

SOUTHEAST (484) 250-5900(Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia)

NORTHCENTRAL (570) 327-3636(Bradford, Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming,

Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, Union)

SOUTHCENTRAL (717) 705-4700(Adams, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton,

Huntingdon, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, York)

NORTHWEST (814) 332-6945(Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mckean,

Mercer, Venango, Warren)



PA Department of Environmental Protection


NORTHEAST (570) 477-5717(Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike,

Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming)

SOUTHEAST (717) 626-0228(Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery,

Northampton, Philadelphia, Schuylkill)

NORTHCENTRAL (814) 359-5250(Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean,

Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Tioga, Union)

SOUTHCENTRAL (717) 486-7087(Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton,

Huntingdon, Juniata, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, York)

NORTHWEST (814) 337-0444(Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango,

Warren)




1

Five Steps forFive Steps forFive Steps forFive Steps forFive Steps forSuccessful EnforcementSuccessful EnforcementSuccessful EnforcementSuccessful EnforcementSuccessful Enforcement

IntroductionArticle I of the Pennsylvania Constitution states “ the people have a

right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic,

historic, and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania’s public

natural resources are the common property of all the people, including

generations yet to come.”

Litter is everywhere across Pennsylvania lining our roadways,

waterways, and greenways. Illegal dumpsites also plague our remote

and isolated places. It is disgusting, degrades our communities, and is

a real problem throughout Pennsylvania. However, with some time,

basic information, good contacts, and a “working-together” approach,

our “right” can be protected. This booklet provides basic enforcement

information that enables caring citizens to effectively work with

Pennsylvania’s enforcement agencies to help stop this unsightly and

damaging behavior. While Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is not an

enforcement agency, this booklet may be used as a step-by-step guide

when littering or illegal dumping is witnessed or found.

16

NORTHEAST REGION (570) 675-1143(Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour,

Northumberland, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming)

SOUTHEAST REGION (610) 926-3136(Berks, Bucks, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh,

Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, Schuylkill)

NORTHCENTRAL REGION (570) 398-4744(Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Lycoming, McKean, Potter,

Tioga, Union)

SOUTHCENTRAL REGION (814) 643-1831(Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon,

Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Snyder, York)

NORTHWEST REGION (814) 432-3187(Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer,

Venango, Warren)

SOUTHWEST REGION (724) 238-9523(Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana,


Notes:Notes:Notes:Notes:Notes:

PA Game Commission


TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTS

17

OUR MISSION

Empowering Pennsylvanians to make our communities clean and

beautiful.

OUR VISION

A clean and beautiful Pennsylvania.

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Education- the key to encourage positive behaviors toward com-

munity improvement. | Individual Responsibility- Improving com-

munities, their environment and quality of life all begins with

personal responsibility. | Public-Private Partnerships- Broad-based

community alliances are essential to achieve sustainable communi-

ty improvement. | Volunteer Action- By engaging volunteers, we

extend the reach of our educational efforts and multiply the

impact of our actions.

About Keep Pennsylvania BeautifulAbout Keep Pennsylvania BeautifulAbout Keep Pennsylvania BeautifulAbout Keep Pennsylvania BeautifulAbout Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful

Introduction......................................................................1

STEP 1 – Knowing the Facts about

Littering and Illegal Dumping................2, 3

STEP 2 – Witnessing and Reporting Littering

and Illegal Dumping................................4, 5

STEP 3 – Contacting an Enforcement Agency......6, 7

STEP 4 – Prosecuting Littering and

Illegal Dumping........................................8, 9

STEP 5 – Going beyond Enforcement......................10

Suggested Contacts......................................................11

Appendix A – Pennsylvania’s Littering and

Illegal Dumping Laws...................12, 13

Appendix B – Pennsylvania’s Littering and Illegal

Dumping Enforcement Agencies.....14

Agency Contacts.....................................................15, 16

About Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful...........................17


Guidelines for LitteringGuidelines for LitteringGuidelines for LitteringGuidelines for LitteringGuidelines for Litteringand Illegal Dumpingand Illegal Dumpingand Illegal Dumpingand Illegal Dumpingand Illegal Dumping

EnforcementEnforcementEnforcementEnforcementEnforcement

5 Steps for Successful Enforcement5 Steps for Successful Enforcement5 Steps for Successful Enforcement5 Steps for Successful Enforcement5 Steps for Successful Enforcement © 2001 Keep Pennsylvania BeautifulPrinted on Recycled Paper using vegetable based inks.

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful105 West 4th Street

Greensburg, PA 15601-2981Toll free: (877) 772-3673

(724) 836-4121www.keeppabeautiful.org

www.gacofpa.org

For more information, contact:

All information is subject to change. Verified and accurate as of February 2013

Guidelines for Littering and Illegal Dumping … › wp-content › uploads › ...itle 30, Chapter...

Documents

Transcript of Guidelines for Littering and Illegal Dumping … › wp-content › uploads › ...itle 30, Chapter...