Louisville cracking down on illegal dumping with higher fines, impounds

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- From old furniture to piles of construction debris, city leaders said illegal dumping continues to plague Louisville neighborhoods.

But residents of west Louisville said the problem is nothing new.

"People dump any and everything in the alleys — and they do it openly," Holyparadox Apollyon said Friday. "They don't care. Believe it. They definitely don't care."

The Solid Waste Enforcement Team said it's stepping up enforcement with the help of surveillance cameras. Just last month, several vehicles were impounded, bringing the total to more than 30 so far this year.

"Just this month, Metro Council and the mayor passed a new ordinance," said Karen Maynard, solid waste education manager for the city. "The fine is increasing to $1,000 instead of $500. If it's your second offense, it's $2,000, and a third offense can cost $3,000."

The city said surveillance cameras are scattered across neighborhoods, and residents are encouraged to submit their own photos or video as evidence. If investigators can identify a vehicle, it is held for 72 hours and won't be released until fines, cleanup costs and impound fees are paid.

But Maynard said enforcement is only part of the solution.

"Our Waste Reduction Center on Merriweather and our pop-up drop-off events are great places to bring your large items like furniture," she said. "My main goal is for people to put waste in its proper place."

At the Waste Reduction Center, residents like Jim Ballard say they've learned how to properly dispose of recyclables and bulk items.

"I saw stuff that I knew shouldn't have been dropped in here," Ballard said Friday. "But at least there's a place to do it the right way."

Apollyon said the crackdown is welcome but hopes the penalties will help stop repeat offenders.

"I saw three or four guys in an F-150 push trash off into the alley," Apollyon said. "It's picked up in the last year and a half."

City officials said anyone who witnesses illegal dumping can report it through Metro311 or submit photos and video directly to Louisville Metro Solid Waste Enforcement. To learn more about how to properly dispose of items, including when and where to drop off bulky trash, click here.

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