ILLEGAL DUMPING: On the rise; here’s what to do about it

Beth sent that photo of illegally dumped items along a West Seattle street. The state Ecology Department noted earlier this week that illegal dumping statewide – including toxic items – has risen during the pandemic. But it’s as illegal as ever, so if you see items dumped on public property within city limits – including roadsides, as shown – here’s what to do: Fill out an online report (linked from this page of the city’s website, which also shows locations already reported) or call 206-684-7857.

P.S. If you absolutely have to take something to the city transfer station – here’s the latest on their status.

19 Replies to "ILLEGAL DUMPING: On the rise; here's what to do about it"

  • DRW May 1, 2020 (12:05 pm)

    The City of Seattles Find It, Fix It App is a great resource as well.

    • NRV May 1, 2020 (12:22 pm)

      I agree. I use it all the time to report illegal dumping. It is a very efficient way to report these incidents.

      • WSB May 1, 2020 (2:11 pm)

        Not everyone uses/likes apps (myself included; phone is bogged down enough!) so we focus on web and phone, but for app fans, FIFI is indeed helpful for a variety of things – thank you!

        • Vic May 1, 2020 (3:02 pm)

          I’m normally not a fan of apps either (I only use Spotify occasionally) but specifically like FIFI because when you are on a walk, for instance, you see a dangerous part of sidewalk or a large pile of waste dumped on the roadside, you can send a pic and ping the location quickly with the app. Also, if I’m on a long walk, I’m not always going to remember the exact location of the issue, if I even manage to remember to report once home at all :) Plus if multiple people report the same thing in a short window of time, it seems to get fixed quicker. For example, the mess that was the garbage and recycle cans near the crosswalk on California Ave in the Junction used to be able to have the lid removed and rummaged through by anyone, crows included. Now, they have smaller side holes to throw away trash. Keeps the area much nicer and free of trash blowing all over.

    • Lin May 1, 2020 (2:11 pm)

      Thanks! Didn’t know of its existence. 

  • justme May 1, 2020 (12:15 pm)

    This is really sad to see. Going to the dump is too expensive for a lot of people along with moving or eviction and the tenant/homeowner doesn’t really know what else to do with it. Working at a local donation intake place we see so much garbage that a person knows is unsellable but the dump is too costly for someone who’s broke. Leaving it where a place accepts donations is the only other option other than leaving it in the street sometimes. The stuff people donate is horrifying sometimes. I hope people give that some thought when this massive influx of donations is taken in after charities reopen. It’s going to be a nightmare for many.

    • James Walker May 1, 2020 (3:26 pm)

      Agreed.  Some people will dump garbage illegally no matter what we do but the city needs to get rid of the $30 minimum charge.  I’m going to reach out to those in charge as to not just be another West Seattle sniveler.

    • HS May 1, 2020 (7:01 pm)

      It also may be someone who is being paid to complete a dump run. 

  • anonyme May 1, 2020 (1:16 pm)

    The city is pretty responsive to these complaints, but I really wish the dirtbags who do the dumping were the ones to suffer the consequences, rather than taxpayers and neighbors. Based on what’s visible in the photo, it looks like remodelers of the unlicensed variety.

  • ClosedCircuit May 1, 2020 (2:17 pm)

    Why can’t the city simply install cameras and license plate readers at all the common dumping sites?

    • Sarge May 1, 2020 (2:33 pm)

      Privacy laws…

    • Gale Courtney May 1, 2020 (2:43 pm)

      I cannot imagine how much this would cost the city. More dump sites appearing daily.The stuff is scary and I would not want pick it up.do your part and report.

      • gale courtney May 2, 2020 (12:46 pm)

        Thanks to everyone writing about Find It, Fix It.  City has contacted me. 

  • Hortsig May 1, 2020 (3:14 pm)

    And this was only photo’d on one side of the street…there was a second large dump across from it. This happens every single month on this street, at the end of the month when people are clearing out and moving. It’s a shame.

  • Nichole May 1, 2020 (6:50 pm)

    I called that number and reported a construction company, Greenbuild Development, whose employees dumped a bunch of garbage including broken windows and boards in the alleyway of the boarded up house next door and nothing has been done. I even gave them the license plate number. I also called the company and left a message asking them to clean it up. Nothing has been done. Any other suggestions? Do I call the police? 

    • WSB May 1, 2020 (7:48 pm)

      Is it actually in the alley? Most but not all are public right of way.

      • Nichole May 2, 2020 (11:38 am)

        Yes, it is half out in the alleyway and blocks access to my home. Either way though isn’t it illegal dumping? 

        • WSB May 2, 2020 (3:34 pm)

          Just asking because the illegal dumping hotline is for public property. If for example the company is in charge of the site you mention, dumping might violate a code that would be cause for filing a complaint with the Dept. of Construction and Inspections instead.

  • Js May 1, 2020 (7:44 pm)

    How does someone think like that. You’d be better to give them $ to bring in. Like private collection service

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