Pennsylvania Uses Cameras to Detect Illegal Dumpers

Danielle Jackson

Harrisburg, Pa. -- The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has announced the state will use motion-sensitive cameras to help identify and prosecute illegal dumpers.

Michaux State Forest will be the first to use the cameras, with 20 other areas to follow. The cameras were purchased as part of the Forest Lands Beautification Program, a five-year campaign to clean up existing dumps on state forest and park lands. The program is funded by the Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act (Act 101) and is administered by the state's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Cameras will be placed at undisclosed dump sites throughout the forest. Camera sizes range from 1 1/2 inches square to 7 inches long and will rotate among various locations to make it difficult for illegal dumpers to spot them.

Approximately 200 illegal dumpsites have been identified throughout the state where household trash, appliances, construction debris and other garbage have been discarded.