Not only are illegal dumpsites unsightly, but many dumped items such as appliances, electronics, metal equipment, construction waste, and tires, also pose serious threats to water quality and wildlife habitat. These items have components that leak or rust over time contaminating the water supply. Wildlife often eats our litter and refuse, and children are injured while playing in it. Finally, illegal dumping can lower property values. When recycled or properly disposed of in a landfill, toxic chemicals and other materials are handled so that they will not leach into our water system and are kept away from children and wildlife. Be sure that all of your waste, including hazardous materials, tires, appliances, and electronics are properly disposed and be part of the solution to illegal dumping.

Prevent Illegal Dumping

There are several things you can to do to prevent illegal dumping. First, make a conscious effort to cut down on the amount of waste you create and talk to others about the problem. The less you create the less you have to recycle or otherwise dispose. Bring a re-useable mug to the coffee shop or a reusable grocery bag to the store. Buy products with less packaging or products that are recyclable or made with recycled content. By doing so you are supporting others who recycle. Secondly, be sure that all of your waste, particularly hazardous materials, tires, appliances, and electronics, are disposed of properly. Many of these things can and should be recycled. Find your nearest disposal facility in Oregon here.

Clean Up Illegal Dumpsites

Despite our best efforts at prevention, illegal dumping is a persistent problem. In 1990 SOLV started SOLV IT, our Earth Day program. Through SOLV IT, volunteers have removed thousands of pounds of illegally dumped material throughout Oregon. If you want to help with an illegal dumpsite or litter cleanup in your neighborhood click here. If you see illegal dumping in action, report it immediately. In the Portland area, contact Metro’s Regional Illegal Dumping Patrol or call 503-234-3000. In other parts of Oregon, contact local law enforcement or your county’s solid waste and recycling agency. Finally, SOLV can help you organize an illegal dumpsite cleanup. For more information call us at 800-333-7658 or visit our Project Oregon webpage.

Other Resources in Illegal Dumping

• Oregon DEQ's Fact Sheet on Illegal Dumping
• Oregon DEQ’s List of Permitted Disposal Facilities - Find your local transfer station, recycling facility, or landfill.
• The US EPA Illegal Dumping Prevention Handbook - A complete resource for people and communities concerned about illegal dumping. It covers the causes of dumping, how to prevent it, and ways to conduct an outreach campaign to bring attention to the problem.
• Metro’s Regional Illegal Dumping Program - Metro’s division that responds to illegal dumping.