|
Solid Waste Enforcement investigates illegal dumpsites, either independently or jointly with Zoning Enforcement and/or the Department of Public Health's Environmental Health Division. We also investigate and address violations of the county's development ordinance related to the siting, operation and closure of landfills.
To report any illegal dumping in Guilford County, call 641-2082.
What is illegal dumping?
Illegal dumping is the disposal of waste in any area that is not approved for disposal. Sites used for dumping vary but may include abandoned property, vacant lots, infrequently used roads and remote areas of property that aren't easily seen. If not addressed, illegal dumps often attract more waste, including potentially hazardous wastes such as asbestos, household chemicals, paints, automotive fluids and commercial or industrial wastes.
Why is illegal dumping a problem?
There are significant health and safety risks, as well as other problems, associated with illegal dumping, including:
- Physical dangers (like protruding nails or sharp edges) and chemical dangers (like harmful fluids or dust) that may harm children and others who have access to the site.
- Rodents, insects and other vermin that are attracted to dump sites and may carry disease.
- The potential to catch fire, either by spontaneous combustion or by arson.
- Runoff from dump sites that may contaminate wells and our drinking water reservoirs.
- Negative impacts on area wildlife.
- Attracting additional dumping and other criminal activity.
- Decreasing property values.
- Making communities unattractive to commercial and residential developers.
What can we do about illegal dumping?
For more information on illegal dumping, illegal landfills or illegal burning, or
to report any illegal dumping, contact:
Lee Hill, Environmental Inspections Program Specialist
336-641-2082
Related Web Sites
NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Contact information
NC Division of Air Quality - Brochures
NC Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance
NC Division of Waste Management
NC Division of Waste Management - Facilities, Data, Statistics, Reports
NC Division of Waste Management - Illegal Dumping
US Environmental Protection Agency - Wastes Information
For Kids: Clean Sweep U.S.A.
|
