Danielle Jackson

Harrisburg, Pa. -- The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania have released a report confirming that a lack of disposal options is compounding illegal dumping in the state's forests and parks.

As part of the program, set up by the DCNR's Forest Lands Beautification Program, a survey of local government officials representing 386 of the state's 2,600 municipalities was conducted. It found that illegal dumping is most prevalent in areas where disposal and recycling facilities are inconvenient; local waste and recycling ordinances are inadequate or are not enforced; collection services, especially for items such as tires and bulky waste, are absent; and recycling or proper disposal educational programs are non-existent.

The report also proposed solutions to the growing illegal dumping problem. Specifically, it has recommended that technical assistance be provided to local government and organizations to educate them on their responsibilities and how to address them; efficient and cost-effective collection programs should be provided; counties should support and help coordinate education, technical assistance and collection programs; and education should be provided to inform the public of how to properly dispose of waste and recyclables.

For more information on the Forest Lands Beautification Program, visit www.cleanpaforests.org.