Collier Cracking Down on Illegal Dumping

A new surveillance system in Collier Township is helping police and officials identify people who are illegally dumping furniture, electronics, appliances and other goods onto Collier hillsides and off of roadways.

Through a recent equipment grant award from Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, Collier Township was able to purchase surveillance equipment at active illegal dump sites in the township, many along rural roads.

Township manager Sal Sirabella said illegal dumping causes blight within the community, pollutes roadsides and creek beds and puts a strain on public works crews, which often become responsible for the clean-up. Illegal dumping will not be tolerated, he said.

"Collier Township Police and code enforcement stand ready and ever-vigilant to enforce all applicable illegal dumping and litter laws to ensure that Collier Township remains healthy, welcoming and a pleasant place to live and work,” Sirabella said in a statement released last week.

The surveillance equipment already has helped officials identify and cite three people for illegal dumping. Earlier this month, Collier police issued citations to Corwin and Danielle Cosentino of South Fayette Township, and to Albert Jon Spader of Scott Township for dumping old furniture and other materials.

The penalty for illegal dumping is a maximum fine of $1,000, and those cited will be responsible for the cost of properly disposing of the waste materials.

Surveillance equipment will be operated throughout the township to aid in apprehending people who participate in illegal dumping.

“We thank Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful for doing what they do best: helping to keep Collier Township and our entire Commonwealth beautiful,” Sirabella said.

Questions regarding proper disposal or recycling for any items may be answered by calling the Allegheny County Health Department at 412-687-ACHD (2243) or visiting their website at www.achd.net and clicking the Recycling Resource Directory under Most Requested Links.