Fines, cameras, cash, rewards -- Milwaukee mayor cracks down on illegal dumping

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee leaders are stepping up efforts to stop illegal dumping across the city, calling it a not just a drain on resources, but a blight on the city, and Mayor Johnson wants the problem to stop.

“Because you’re doing something lazy, because you’re doing something selfish, because you’re dumping in our neighborhoods,” said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson at a news conference Tuesday morning. “That’s what these are—these are criminal cases.”

High-resolution surveillance cameras have been installed across the city to catch illegal dumping in action. According to the mayor, these cameras have already helped the city issue $25,000 in fines to just two individuals in recent weeks. The fine for illegal dumping in Milwaukee can be as high as $5,000 per incident.

“I think we should use every tool at our disposal to hold these individuals accountable,” Johnson said.

The city is now turning to the public for help. Videos of suspected dumpers will soon be posted online at milwaukee.gov/dumping, where residents can watch and help identify the people involved. And if your tip leads to a citation, you could get paid.

“If you’re the first to positively identify a particular suspect, and are willing to testify, you are eligible to receive a reward of up to $1,000,” Johnson said.

The mayor’s frustration was especially pointed when describing the effort it takes to dump illegally, arguing it takes the same effort to do it the right way.

“If you’re already getting in your car to drive to someplace to dump and do it illegally, why wouldn’t you just get in your car and drive to the self-help centers and dump it there?” he asked.

Milwaukee maintains a number of self-help dump sites where residents can legally dispose of large items and debris.

More information on hours, locations, and how to report illegal dumping is available here.