If someone you hire hauls away materials and then dumps them illegally, you may be liable for cleanup costs, as well as disposal costs. To reduce illegal dumping, follow these guidelines:
Only do business with legitimate companies or individuals who are properly permitted and licensed to handle materials (listed in our Recycling Directory) Many for-hire companies which advertise waste or junk hauling services may not be properly permitted.
Ask the company where it intends to recycle or dispose of the materials.
Be suspicious of low disposal prices, which may be an indicator that materials may be illegally dumped. Typical disposal fees are around $100 per ton (March 2007 rates at Pierce County disposal facilities).
Pay only one-half of the hauling, disposal and recycling fees upfront, and the remainder after you receive a receipt from a legitimate recycler, processor, or disposal site operator.
There are alternatives to illegal dumping: many items can be recycled for free or disposed of at minimal cost. Pierce County's Recycling & Disposal Guide lists locations to recycle, dispose, or donate many items in Pierce County.
To reduce illegal dumping on your property, consider taking preventative measures, such as gates, berms, or posting 'No Dumping' signs. The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (253-798-6500) provides these signs free of cost.
Report illegal dumping to Pierce County Responds at (253) 798-4636 or submit a complaint on-line.
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