Camden aims to catch illegal dumpers with new cameras, cash incentives

CAMDEN, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Camden is offering a cash incentive to people with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of people who illegally dump trash and debris within the city limits.

All it takes is a small amount of trash, a single item of discarded furniture, a single pile of construction debris on a side street, officials say. What might start as litter can soon grow into a dumping ground. And it costs the city of Camden dearly.

Mayor Vic Carstarphen says the city spends almost $5 million each year to clear away what gets dumped.

“Camden is not a place where you feel like you can just dump and do whatever to,” he said.

Camden County Police Lt. Gordon Harvey says the dumping comes from residents, from contractors, and from people who haul it in from outside the city limits.

“We've had instances where people will come into the city with U-Haul trucks, rental vehicles, and pickup trucks, and dump large amounts of waste, debris and refuse on city parks, on open lands,” Harvey said.

And some of it happens off the beaten path, where it doesn’t draw as many public complaints.

“Every little time this happens, it turns into a problem,” said Harvey. “This becomes a dump site. And then it becomes dumped on further, and further, by more people who think it's okay to do this in the City of Camden.”

To help fight back, the city recently received federal funding to pay for the installation of more than 120 cameras in locations that tend to attract repeat dumpers.

“It is everywhere. And what we've successfully been able to do with this is secure those locations and secure quick prosecutions.”

With the cameras, authorities have been able to identify suspects and get information about their vehicles in minutes.

Harvey said, as of Jan. 1, Camden County police have investigated 23 instances of illegal dumping — and charges have been brought against 12 people. Fines for illegal dumping can go as high as $10,000, according to city officials.

“You're going to see more and more people get caught,” said the mayor. “These cameras are the real deal.”

Carstarphen says he’s hopeful that a recently passed ordinance will help the process, as well. The city has carved out funds to offer rewards of $500 to $1,000 for people who report evidence to law enforcement that leads to an arrest and conviction.