Illegal dumping: Milwaukee announces $25K in fines, prosecution efforts

MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee's Department of Neighborhood Services said two people have been fined $25,000 for illegal dumping, part of an ongoing city effort to crack down on what the mayor has described as "a crime of laziness." 

What they're saying:

Since June 15, the city said one person was caught on camera illegally dumping three times in one day, leading to $15,000 in citations. Another person was caught twice in one day and fined $10,000.

"Folks who dump illegally in our community should face a consequence. I've said it repeatedly folks who cause death, harm, or destruction, and this certainly is harm in our community. They should be held fully accountable. So I fully support the increase in the citation," said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. "Now, for those who may think the citation amounts are obsessive, excessive. What I want you to do is to talk to the folks in our neighborhoods who are affected by the blight of illegal dumping, talk to those folks who are disproportionately affected by this crime. Ask them about the harm that's been inflicted upon them and their families and the neighborhoods that they call home. Listen to their stories about how the blight is caused by illegal dumping causes despair."

Dig deeper:

Additionally, DNS said the state is working to prosecute a suspect believed to have dumped thousands of tires in the city.

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In April, some described illegal dumping as an "epidemic." Mayor Cavalier Johnson described it as a "plague" and "a crime of laziness." 

What you can do:

DNS said it will need the public's help to find others who have been caught on camera. Each suspect identification comes with a potential $1,000 reward.

Anyone can report illegal dumping by calling 414-286-2489.