A Regional Approach to Illegal Dumping

Josh Ramirez, CPMDirector of Environmental & Health

Code Compliance

“Solutions to a Widespread Regional Problem, How the City of McAllen is

Approaching the Issue of Illegal Dumping and Solid Waste”

“The Valley”

• Our Region, are we connected?

TCEQ: Illegal dumping is a problem across the nation and the state: In the most common form of illegal dumping, people dump waste at a remote location or on an abandoned

property instead of in a landfill. There is no typical illegal dumper—it can be anyone.

Is Illegal Dumping a problem?

Illegal Dumping across the Region

Is this common in your community?

Is this illegal dumping?

Illegal Dumping across the Region.

Is it placement or illegal dumping?

Illegal Dumping across the Region

Illegal Dumping across the Region

So we know what the problem is.

How do we fix it?

Illegal Dumping Across the Region.

Do you know your tools in your tool box?

What laws do you use? Other sources?◦ TCEQ-RG-455: Illegal Dumping, A guide for local

governments.◦ Texas Health & Safety Code: Chapter 341

Minimum Standards of Sanitation and Health Protection

◦ Texas Illegal Dumping Resource Center web page. http://www.tidrc.com/laws.html

Do you have a specific city ordinances?

Illegal Dumping Across the Region.

City of McAllen – Code of Ordinances

Code enforcement officer. The term "code enforcement officer" means an employee holding a position designated in writing by the city manager to enforce the city ordinances, and who is licensed or certified by the state for code enforcement

Solutions to a Widespread Regional Problem?

Sec. 1-16. - Enforcement of code violations by city code enforcement officers.

A code enforcement officer is authorized to enforce any and all of the provisions of this Code through such means as making inspections, giving notice of violations, issuing citations and filing charges with the city attorney.

Solutions to a Widespread Regional Problem?

The City of McAllen has 20+ dedicated officers to Code Enforcement.

Is this enough?

We have over 18,000 enforcement cases to date.

Solutions to a Widespread Regional Problem?

Solutions to a Widespread Regional Problem?

No! Officers are not enough.

Cameras? http://www.krgv.com/v

ideos/mcallen-tries-to-curb-illegal-dumping/

Solutions to a Widespread Regional Problem? Cameras? Not enough.

Citizen and Civic Organizations Participation?

Regular Project Clean Neighborhood Clean-ups?

Solutions to a Widespread Regional Problem?

Solutions to a Widespread Regional Problem? The City McAllen

created a Call Center.

Calls were getting lost.

One number, one location. 681-3111

Quick response, and the right connection.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5xr8IS1veM

Solutions to a Widespread Regional Problem? The City of McAllen

continued looking for solutions.

Implemented a Mobile App.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-BSL0zuVvU

Solutions to a Widespread Regional Problem?

Give citizens the tools they need.

Try them all.

Empower the citizens to take ownership of their city.

Solutions to a Widespread Regional Problem? Our Citizens

Our Volunteers

Everyone working towards the same goal.

Take pride on cleaning your neighborhoods.

Take ownership!

Solutions to a Widespread Regional Problem? Its’ our region!

Lets make it beautiful!

Any Questions?

Thank you!