Illegal dumping

[7] The reasons people dump illegally vary; however, research indicates that lack of legal waste disposal options is a primary factor.

Short-term issues include asthma; congenital illnesses; stress and anxiety; headaches, dizziness and nausea; and eye and respiratory infections.

[10] Beyond negative health outcomes due to pollution and toxic waste, illegal dumps pose a physical threat.

Unstable piles of material and exposed nails threaten harm to humans, specifically children who may be attracted to illegal dumps as play areas.

Tires, a material frequently dumped because most municipalities ban their disposal in landfills, provide an ideal breeding ground for mosquitos due to stagnant water collected within.

In the United Kingdom, the Environmental Protection Agency spends £100–150 million annually to investigate and clean up illegal dump sites.

[7] Efforts to combat illegal dumping vary in each situation as solutions are crafted with specific community dynamics in mind.

[12] Listed below are common techniques employed by governing bodies: Most violators dump waste at night because darkness helps them avoid detection.

In Canada Bay, New South Wales, the city installed solar powered lights in dumping “hot spots”.

Additionally, increasing community use of the area will adjust locals’ perception of the site from dumping ground to valued open space.

For example, Maitland, New South Wales erected fences around rural dumping sites prevented vehicles from gaining access.

Continued monitoring 12 months later showed that 80% of dump sites protected by the fences experienced negligible illegal waste disposal activity.

Camera footage can help law enforcement officials identify dumpers while also collecting data on peak dumping periods.

If free or subsidised programs are not feasible due to funding limitations, cities must ensure affordability of waste disposal services.

Offering similar accommodations for commercial and industrial waste generated by office buildings, restaurants, schools, and factories will also decrease instances of illegal dumping.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection recommends chipping or shredding tires so that they can be recycled in other uses such as highways, playgrounds, and running tracks.

[17] The United States Environmental Protection Agency recommends disposing of household hazardous and toxic waste in the nearest community drop off location.

For example, cities can inform residents and businesses of legal waste disposal avenues through mailed flyers, newspaper and radio announcements, and posters.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency instituted a program to cap open dumps in tribal communities.

"Native dryland grass" is planted on top of the newly covered dump to prevent erosion and water monitoring wells are installed nearby.

[10] Studies conducted using the data collected from these screenings found elevated instances of leukemia, lymphoma, and colorectal and liver cancer mortality in one of Campania's districts.

[23] Toxic substances are found in leachates, particulate matter, ashes, fumes, wastewater, and effluents generated during dumping, dismantling, and burning throughout the recycling process.

Corporations such as Nokia and Lenovo instituted free return services for Chinese customers who wish to dispose of old electronic products from the two companies.

Any large rubbish, e.g., old furniture and mattresses, may need to be taken to the local waste depot by the home owner at their own expense, although many councils will collect certain items for free or for a small fee.

Characteristics of offenders include local residents, construction and landscaping contractors, waste removers, scrap yard operators, and automobile and tire repair shops.