Latest news with #DumpingUglyMessinMyYard
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Man faces severe penalties for dangerous crime on public roadway: 'We need to send a message'
An Alabama resident was charged with criminal littering after being caught illegally dumping trash in a neighborhood in northeastern Birmingham, per ABC 3340. A resident captured footage of Richard Selman, 69, of Leeds, Alabama, discarding debris on a roadway in South Eastlake and reported the crime to the authorities. Under state law, criminal littering is a class B misdemeanor that carries a fine of $500 for the first offense but also includes further penalties depending on the material dumped. Further offenses carry higher fines and mandated community service. As the Environmental Protection Agency reports, illegal dumping is a widespread problem that poses health and safety hazards for locals and negatively impacts quality of life and property values. It's an inherently anti-social crime that harms the ecosystem and people. Illegally discarded debris can contaminate the soil and local water sources and attract vermin. Litter isn't just an eyesore; it can also devastate local wildlife that ingest toxic substances and spread disease. The city of Birmingham has taken steps to address the issue with its D.U.M.M.Y (Dumping Ugly Mess in My Yard) campaign. The initiative seeks to change anti-social behavior and empower residents to help keep Birmingham free of illegally discarded waste. The project also offers information for residents seeking to discard waste responsibly. It emphasizes the importance of collective action, stating: "It will take everyone pitching in to help keep our city clean and prosecute those who don't." In this case, it was thanks to a civic-minded resident that Selman was ultimately brought to justice. The story shows that properly enforced legislation and taking local action can go a long way to protecting the environment. Birmingham police chief Michael Pickett told WBRC News his department takes such offenses seriously. "We need to send a message that illegal dumping will not be tolerated in the city limits of Birmingham," he said. "We are not a dumping ground for anyone. Whether they are a resident in our city or someone coming in simply to dump in our city." Do you think your city has good air quality? Definitely Somewhat Depends on the time of year Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Yahoo
Birmingham launches illegal trash dumping campaign and resources to combat it
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The city of Birmingham has launched the D.U.M.M.Y campaign in an effort to combat illegal trash dumping. The campaign, which stands for Dumping Ugly Mess in My Yard, hopes to stop people from illegally dumping trash, catch those doing it and encourage residents to report it. Oscar-winner Gene Hackman, his wife and their dog found dead in their New Mexico home This comes after a video, initially posted by Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, shows a man illegally dumping what looks to be construction trash out on the side of the road. 'It's important that the public knows they might be caught,' said District 2 Birmingham City Councilor Hunter Williams. Williams said catching the individuals responsible for illegally dumping trash is one step in addressing the problem. According to Williams, illegal trash dumping is not a new problem for Birmingham residents but it's a problem the city is working to put an end to. 'We have been working to better have an efficient and cohesive approach when it comes to code enforcement and a piece of that is going after these folks that are illegally dumping in our neighborhoods,' said Williams. According to Williams, the city added four officers to the code enforcement team and, under the city's D.U.M.M.Y campaign, someone caught illegally dumping is subject to a $500 fine plus community service and other penalties, and a second offense is a fine up to $1,000 plus community service and other penalties. Before legal action is involved the city is encouraging people to use resources available before turning to illegally dumping, one being the Magic City Tool Bank. Clay-Chalkville teachers spreading word about Teen Violence Dating Month 'If a group, a group of neighbors, a church, is noticing that illegal dumping is happening and they want to do something about it we can be a tool and resource,' said Magic City Tool Bank Executive Director Clint Denson. Denson said the bank provides tools and equipment at minimal cost, some as low as 87 cents to rent for an entire week to groups looking to clean trash on streets or build in their neighborhood. Located in Titusville, an area where trash dumping signs have been in place, Denson said the bank is available every day of the week to help combat illegal dumping. 'As a member of a community that faces that, it's so important that we look out and say we're going to do something about it. And a lot of times people have the will, and they want to work but there's a separation there of resources,' said Denson. Click here for more information on the Magic City Tool Bank and to learn how to become a member and rent tools. Councilor Williams says if you see someone illegally trash dumping or have a video you can call the city's call center by dialing 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
