Milwaukee using hidden cameras, reward offers to combat illegal dumping

Milwaukee leaders are cracking down on illegal dumping in the city.

The city recently increased fines and added hidden cameras at common dumping sites. They are also enlisting residents’ help by posting photos of frequent offenders online and offering a $1,000 reward for those who help identify suspects.

In Milwaukee, the most common illegally dumped trash includes tires, construction debris and home items like mattresses and couches, according to Jeremy McGovern, a spokesperson for the Department of Neighborhood Services. McGovern said the unwanted refuse is typically tossed in alleys, on dead end streets, vacant lots and even private yards.

“At the end of the day, residents are … fed up,” Milwaukee Alder Sharlen Moore said.

In April, the Milwaukee Common Council unanimously approved a resolution that increases the fine for every illegal dumping violation from a range of $1,500 to $5,000 to a new flat fee of $5,000.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson called illegal dumping an action of “laziness” and “selfishness.”

“These citation amounts are nothing compared to the actual costs caused by the crime,” Johnson said during press conference this week

“Folks who cause death, harm or destruction — and this certainly is harm in our community — should be held fully accountable,” Johnson added.

City attorney Evan Goyke said the attorney’s office is “actively reviewing and working to prosecute citations.”

“We’re hoping that these hefty fines create the leverage we need to see this type of activity ceased,” said Assistant City Attorney Tyler Helsel.

In a statement, Milwaukee Alder Andrea Pratt, said her district has been “serially targeted by illegal dumpers with tires, appliances, construction debris and many other items.” 

“We are sending a unified message that we are here to protect the health, safety and welfare of our constituents in every neighborhood in Milwaukee, and we will be going after illegal dumpers with the full fury and force of the law,” Pratt wrote.

The city recently placed 20 hidden trail cameras in areas of frequent illegal dumping. Those cameras recently caught two people — one individual was fined $15,000 while another person got a $10,000 fine for separate violations.  

McGovern said illegal dumping occurs in every aldermanic district in the city, but the department is placing the cameras at strategic sites.

“However, some of the hardest hit areas and frequently hit areas are some of our poorest communities,” McGovern said. “So those are the areas we’re targeting [with the cameras].”

McGovern said the city will start to post photos of frequent offenders online so people can help identify them.

City leaders are also hoping a new illegal dumping rewards program will help stop the behavior. People who identify offenders will be eligible to receive a $1,000 reward, according to the program guidelines.

“I think, combined with publicly shaming, by putting these people on there [website], maybe you get somebody to think twice about doing this crime,” McGovern said.

Johnson said illegal dumping involves investigations and cleanup efforts from multiple city agencies, including the Milwaukee Police Department, Department of Neighborhood Services, city attorney’s office and the Department of Public Works. 

“It not just harms folks out in the in the community — it also steals city services,” Johnson said. “These things shouldn’t have to happen, but we end up having to expend city services or city resources in order to address this issue.”