NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Mattresses, microwaves, couches: Oh my!
That’s what Pasco County officials say people are illegally dumping at those ubiquitous metal bins meant for donated clothing or shoes.
“We appreciate the legitimate charities that are trying to raise funds for their organization,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore. “Unfortunately, what we find is that there are many bins out there that aren’t for ‘legitimate charities.’”
It’s not only making a mess, it’s costing taxpayers to clean it up, Moore says.
“We’re wasting thousands of dollars a year in taxpayer funds to clean up this illegal dumping,” Moore said. “Unfortunately, it’s getting worse.”
That’s why the county has set a heard deadline of July 1 for the owners of the bins to apply for a permit. Without a permit, Moore says county workers will confiscate the bins to be used as evidence in a criminal complaint that he expects will be filed within the next month.
The county has sent out letters to more than 40 property owners with bins. According to Moore, the majority of property owners who’ve responded say they’ve not given permission for the bin to be there.
“What’s frustrating is they’re not following the process and our process is very simple,” Moore said. “Get permission from a property owner, come in, get a permit, put a sticker on it and we’ll know it’s legitimate.”
Unfortunately, it’s not a new issue.
In 2016, the county implemented the permit process in response to the growing problem. Moore says bins quickly disappeared. But in recent months they’ve popped back up in parking lots along some of the county’s busiest thoroughfares.
Bins are already being confiscated. Dumping more than 500 pounds of trash illegally is a felony that could land you in prison. Moore promises the county isn’t going to take it anymore.
“There are spots in the county now we do have cameras up,” he said. “So we’re going to catch you, find you and prosecute you.”
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