Title
a. Receive a status report and recommendation to acquire and use surveillance cameras to abate illegal dumping in the unincorporated areas of Monterey County; and
b. Provide direction to staff regarding next steps.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a status report and recommendation to acquire and use surveillance cameras to abate illegal dumping in the unincorporated areas of Monterey County; and
b. Provide direction to staff regarding next steps.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Illegal Dumping and Litter Abatement Task Force (IDLATF) is a working group comprised of members from local city and county governments, solid waste haulers and landfill operators, law enforcement, business leaders in agriculture, members of the community, as well as private landowners and ranchers, whose only focus is to reduce illegal dumping in Monterey County. The three pillars or 3E's of the IDLATF are Eradication, Education, and Enforcement. All three pillars must be in place and work together to successfully impact and reduce illegal dumping.
Over the years, there has been numerous efforts to educate the public regarding illegal dumping. These efforts include educational flyers, presentations, and on-line campaigns. Through the IDLATF, annual litter and cleanup events are held throughout the county to encourage proper disposal and free recycling of bulky items that usually end up on the side of the road (e.g. TV's, mattresses, etc.). Despite all this, illegal dumping continues to occur.
In February 2022, Environmental Health, on behalf of the IDLATF, applied to CalRecycle for a grant to fund the purchase of cameras. While the IDLATF received letters of support from Supervisor Lopez, Elkhorn Slough Foundation, ReGen Monterey, Waste Management, and Salinas Valley Recycles, the grant was not funded. However, the need to pursue investment in enforcement capabilities remains.
In February 2023, Environmental Health presented to...
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