Cleveland residents filed more than 5,000 illegal dumping reports through the 311 system in the past year, while citations issued by the Cleveland-Cuyahoga Environmental Crimes Task Force fell nearly 50% over six years, according to data Council Member Nikki Hudson shared with Signal Cleveland.
The task force, formed in 2014, reviews 311 requests, police reports, council complaints and surveillance footage. Its core team includes a detective sergeant, a Cleveland police detective and two Cuyahoga County deputy sheriffs. Police public information officer Sgt. Wilfredo Diaz said each investigation is different and citations depend on evidence and whether a responsible party can be identified. He said residents should safely record details and report dumping rather than confront offenders.
Illegal dumping is currently a criminal offense that requires police or special enforcement officers to witness it and issue citations. Legislation introduced in a council committee on Oct. 12 would make it both civil and criminal, allow waste collectors and Public Works employees to issue civil citations when they witness dumping, and let the Division of Waste buy and deploy cameras at hotspots. The proposal would extend the fine payment period from 20 days to 60 and reduce fines from $100 to $25 per item.
Hudson, who represents Ward 11, points to contractors and businesses dumping on vacant properties, often owned by out-of-state landlords. Adam Gifford of Metro West said crews removed about 440,000 pounds of debris since July. Residents can report emergencies by calling 911; non-emergencies go to 216-664-2000 or the 311 online portal.