Got trash? How to report trash and illegal dumping in your neighborhood
People in the area say the garbage has become a breeding ground for rodents, is emitting bad odors and takes up parking spots.
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The Department of Sanitation says Seabury Avenue in Westchester Square is a destination for illegal dumping.
"Trash in the neighborhood is very disgusting, you can zoom to the left, zoom to the right, it's not only trash you got the rats running out the trash too," said Monique Bolan, a Westchester Square resident.
On Tuesday, mounds of trash piled high as a car crowded the roadway. People in the area say the garbage has become a breeding ground for rodents, is emitting bad odors and takes up parking spots.
"It's really disappointing that you come here to New York, and you see piles of trash and you don't know what harmful smells or orders that it can cause to someone, I rather not live around it," said Ana Mayor, who lives nearby.
Crews with the Department of Sanitation came by Tuesday afternoon after being alerted about the mess. DSNY says over the last two years they have ramped up efforts to crackdown on illegal dumpers.
Around 300 cameras are strategically placed throughout the city in hotspot zones to catch dumpers. They say last year, 300 summonses were issued to people for illegal dumping. Fines start at $4,000 and can climb upwards of $18,000.
The city says anyone who witnesses illegal dumping in progress should call 911. Witnesses should document the vehicles license plate number and car description to help DSNY track down the litterbugs.
Dirty sidewalks and trash on public and private property can be reported to 311. Sanitation crews will do a sweep of the area and issue fines if necessary.
