LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Illegal dumping is a city-wide issue. Sidewalks and alleys near homes are blocked by items ranging from garbage bags to mattresses.
The Solid Waste Enforcement Team is cracking down on these activities by targeting the vehicles caught dumping.
On Wednesday, Louisville Metro Public Works announced that four vehicles used in dumping were impounded in the past week. Each vehicle's registered owner now faces a $500 fine and a $250 cleanup fee, plus the cost of impounding.
Public Works said the investigations involved dump sites near 36th and W. Kentucky Street, the alley behind the 1500 block of Hale Avenue, and the alley behind the 1700 block of Prentice Street.
Billy Lane's driveway backs up to the Prentice Street site, and has long been frustrated by people leaving trash by his driveway.
"How would you feel if somebody did that to your property?" Lane asked.
Even though the site targeted by the Public Works investigation was cleaned up, he woke up on Wednesday to a mattress and trash blocking part of the road.
"If it stays there another day, somebody will see it there, and figure they'll add (trash) to it," Lane said.
He said he'll be calling 311 for pickup, and hopes that a security camera posted by a neighbor will steer investigators toward who left the trash behind. If caught, that vehicle would be impounded and face a hefty fine.
"That's a big price to pay just to dump a mattress off somewhere," Lane said.
A spokesperson with Public Works sent a reminder that anyone can drop items off at the Waste Reduction Center on Meriwether Avenue. You can also check to see if your items are eligible for pickup by making an appointment.
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