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Five Steps for Successful Enforcement Five Steps for Successful Enforcement
Guidelines for LitteringGuidelines for LitteringGuidelines for LitteringGuidelines for LitteringGuidelines for Litteringand Illegal Dumpingand Illegal Dumpingand Illegal Dumpingand Illegal Dumpingand Illegal Dumping
EnforcementEnforcementEnforcementEnforcementEnforcement
5 Steps for Successful Enforcement5 Steps for Successful Enforcement5 Steps for Successful Enforcement5 Steps for Successful Enforcement5 Steps for Successful Enforcement © 2001 Keep Pennsylvania BeautifulPrinted on Recycled Paper using vegetable based inks.
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful105 West 4th Street
Greensburg, PA 15601-2981Toll free: (877) 772-3673
(724) 836-4121www.keeppabeautiful.org
www.gacofpa.org
For more information, contact:
All information is subject to change. Verified and accurate as of February 2013
Five Steps for Successful Enforcement Five Steps for Successful Enforcement
TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTS
17
OUR MISSION
Empowering Pennsylvanians to make our communities clean and
beautiful.
OUR VISION
A clean and beautiful Pennsylvania.
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Education- the key to encourage positive behaviors toward com-
munity improvement. | Individual Responsibility- Improving com-
munities, their environment and quality of life all begins with
personal responsibility. | Public-Private Partnerships- Broad-based
community alliances are essential to achieve sustainable communi-
ty improvement. | Volunteer Action- By engaging volunteers, we
extend the reach of our educational efforts and multiply the
impact of our actions.
About Keep Pennsylvania BeautifulAbout Keep Pennsylvania BeautifulAbout Keep Pennsylvania BeautifulAbout Keep Pennsylvania BeautifulAbout Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful
Introduction......................................................................1
STEP 1 – Knowing the Facts about
Littering and Illegal Dumping................2, 3
STEP 2 – Witnessing and Reporting Littering
and Illegal Dumping................................4, 5
STEP 3 – Contacting an Enforcement Agency......6, 7
STEP 4 – Prosecuting Littering and
Illegal Dumping........................................8, 9
STEP 5 – Going beyond Enforcement......................10
Suggested Contacts......................................................11
Appendix A – Pennsylvania’s Littering and
Illegal Dumping Laws...................12, 13
Appendix B – Pennsylvania’s Littering and Illegal
Dumping Enforcement Agencies.....14
Agency Contacts.....................................................15, 16
About Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful...........................17
Five Steps for Successful Enforcement Five Steps for Successful Enforcement
1
Five Steps forFive Steps forFive Steps forFive Steps forFive Steps forSuccessful EnforcementSuccessful EnforcementSuccessful EnforcementSuccessful EnforcementSuccessful Enforcement
IntroductionArticle I of the Pennsylvania Constitution states “ the people have a
right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic,
historic, and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania’s public
natural resources are the common property of all the people, including
generations yet to come.”
Litter is everywhere across Pennsylvania lining our roadways,
waterways, and greenways. Illegal dumpsites also plague our remote
and isolated places. It is disgusting, degrades our communities, and is
a real problem throughout Pennsylvania. However, with some time,
basic information, good contacts, and a “working-together” approach,
our “right” can be protected. This booklet provides basic enforcement
information that enables caring citizens to effectively work with
Pennsylvania’s enforcement agencies to help stop this unsightly and
damaging behavior. While Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is not an
enforcement agency, this booklet may be used as a step-by-step guide
when littering or illegal dumping is witnessed or found.
16
NORTHEAST REGION (570) 675-1143(Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour,
Northumberland, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming)
SOUTHEAST REGION (610) 926-3136(Berks, Bucks, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh,
Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, Schuylkill)
NORTHCENTRAL REGION (570) 398-4744(Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Lycoming, McKean, Potter,
Tioga, Union)
SOUTHCENTRAL REGION (814) 643-1831(Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon,
Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Snyder, York)
NORTHWEST REGION (814) 432-3187(Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer,
Venango, Warren)
SOUTHWEST REGION (724) 238-9523(Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana,
Somerset, Washington, Westmoreland)
Notes:Notes:Notes:Notes:Notes:
PA Game Commission
Five Steps for Successful Enforcement Five Steps for Successful Enforcement
2 15
STEP 1STEP 1STEP 1STEP 1STEP 1Knowing the Facts aboutKnowing the Facts aboutKnowing the Facts aboutKnowing the Facts aboutKnowing the Facts about
Littering and Illegal DumpingLittering and Illegal DumpingLittering and Illegal DumpingLittering and Illegal DumpingLittering and Illegal DumpingLittering and illegal dumping are acts of improper disposal of trash.
However, there are subtle differences between the two.
Litter is primarily small items that are scattered about – items such
as paper, food containers, beverage containers, convenience products,
newspapers, vehicle debris, and cardboard. Littering can be an
intentional act or it can be accidental. Some of the trash found along
roadways is the result of unintentional behavior such as items blown
from yards and vehicles, lost items, or debris leftover from accidents.
While litter is often easy to remove, keeping an area litter free can
be costly and time consuming.
Illegal dumping is always an intentional act and is done for many
reasons – cost, convenience, ignorance, habit, profit, or to hide other
illegal activities. Illegal dumping often involves large items or large
quantities of small items – appliances, tires, bags of daily trash,
furniture, construction and demolition debris, and other household
wastes. Illegal dumpsites are often difficult and costly to clean up,
and they take a greater toll on the environment and surrounding
communities.
Littering and illegal dumping pose significant threats to the
environment and to the health and safety of both humans and animals
by:
• Polluting ground and surface water,
• Introducing health concerns that may result in illness
and injury,
• Decreasing the value of the property that contains
the trash and adjacent properties,
NORTHEAST (570) 826-2511(Carbon, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike,
Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming)
SOUTHEAST (484) 250-5900(Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia)
NORTHCENTRAL (570) 327-3636(Bradford, Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming,
Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, Union)
SOUTHCENTRAL (717) 705-4700(Adams, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton,
Huntingdon, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, York)
NORTHWEST (814) 332-6945(Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mckean,
Mercer, Venango, Warren)
SOUTHWEST (412) 442-4000(Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana,
Somerset, Washington, Westmoreland)
PA Department of Environmental Protection
PA Fish and Boat Commission
NORTHEAST (570) 477-5717(Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike,
Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming)
SOUTHEAST (717) 626-0228(Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery,
Northampton, Philadelphia, Schuylkill)
NORTHCENTRAL (814) 359-5250(Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean,
Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Tioga, Union)
SOUTHCENTRAL (717) 486-7087(Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton,
Huntingdon, Juniata, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, York)
NORTHWEST (814) 337-0444(Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango,
Warren)
SOUTHWEST (814) 445-8974(Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana,
Somerset, Washington, Westmoreland)
Five Steps for Successful Enforcement Five Steps for Successful Enforcement
14 3
• Attracting additional dumping and other crimes,
• Discouraging new residents and businesses,
• Decreasing income,
• Taking away tax dollars that could be better spent to
serve the community,
• Decreasing community worth,
• Spoiling the beauty of our lands,
• Damaging equipment or causing accidents.
Any improper disposal of trash – littering or illegal dumping – is
against the law and violators can be prosecuted. Numerous agencies
enforce laws addressing improper disposal of trash. The Pennsylvania
General Assembly (www.pacode.com) created and enacted our
littering and dumping laws. In addition, county and municipal
governments create and enact ordinances that are specific within
their local boundaries. A summary of Pennsylvania’s littering and
illegal dumping laws can be found in Appendix A on pages 12 and 13.
Methamphetamine Lab Waste Warning
PA State Police
Enforces Pennsylvania’s Crime
and Vehicle Codes and educates
citizens all across Pennsylvania.
The area is not covered by
a local police department;
Littering and illegal
dumping occurs on public
land, such as a state road
right-of-way; and littering
and illegal dumping
occurs on private land,
and the complainant owns
that land which is not
covered by a local police
department.
Contact closest State
Police Station. Depart-
ment Headquarters,
1800 Elmerton Avenue,
Harrisburg, PA 17110
www.psp.state.pa.us
(717) 783-5599
Illegal dumping only has
occurred.Contact appropriate
regional office.
Rachel Carson State
Office Building, 400
Market Street,
Harrisburg, PA 17101
www.depweb.state.pa.us
(717) 783-2300
The trash lies in or near
surface waters.
Contact appropriate
regional office.1601
Elmerton Avenue, P.O.
Box 67000, Harrisburg,
PA 17106-7000
www.fish.state.pa.us
(717) 705-7800
Litter and illegal dumping
occurs on State Game
Lands and on private
property that is open to
hunting and furtaking.
Contact appropriate
regional office. 2001
Elmerton Avenue,
Harrisburg, PA 17110-
9797
www.pgc.state.pa.us
(717) 787-4250
Litter and illegal dumping
impacts State Parks and
State Forests.
Appendix B
Pennsylvania’s Littering and Illegal Dumping Enforcement Agencies
STATE AGENCY WILL RESPOND IF: CONTACT
Contact appropriate
State Park Office or
State Forest District
Office. Rachel Carson
State Office Building,
P.O. Box 8767, 400
Market Street,
Harrisburg, PA 17105-
8767
www.dcnr.state.pa.us
(717) 787-2869
PA Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources
Maintains Pennsylvania’s State
Parks and State Forests, enforces
State Parks and State Forests
Rules and Regulations, develops
community conservation
partnerships, provides environ-
mental education and outreach,
and provides information on the
state’s ecological and natural
resources.
PA Game Commission
Enforces hunting, trapping, and
wildlife regulations, promotes
wildlife, hunter/trapper, and
environmental education,
manages wildlife, and conducts
research.
PA Fish and Boat Commission
Enforces fishing and boating
regulations, educates citizens,
manages fish hatcheries, and
enhances and preserves the
state’s aquatic environment.
PA Department of
Environmental Protection
Enforces and permits the Solid
Waste Management Act, Waste
Tire Recycling Act, Municipal
Waste Planning, Recycling and
Waste Reduction Act, and the
Clean Streams Law Act among
other regulations and educates
citizens.
A methamphetamine lab is an illegal operation set up to produce the
illegal stimulant, methamphetamine. There are several methods to produce
methamphetamine, but they all use a variety of chemicals including
explosives, solvents, metals, salts, and corrosives. The fumes, vapors, after
salts, and spillage associated with the manufacturing can be toxic.
Because it is an illegal activity, methamphetamine producers may dispose
of their labs, evidence, and production waste by dumping it. If you
discover propane tanks, tubing, duct-taped bottles or coolers, coffee filters
stained with a reddish tint, or a strong smell of ammonia or ether, stay
away from the area and call the local state police. Do not touch, move
or open any kind of tank or sealed container. Be aware that propane
tanks are often weakened and brittle due to the anhydrous ammonia
and are sensitive to any kind of movement or impact. The drug can also
be produced using only a two-liter soda bottle. Do not touch two-liter
soda bottles that contain a brown and white sludge.
Five Steps for Successful Enforcement Five Steps for Successful Enforcement
4
STEP 2STEP 2STEP 2STEP 2STEP 2Witnessing and ReportingWitnessing and ReportingWitnessing and ReportingWitnessing and ReportingWitnessing and Reporting
Littering and Illegal DumpingLittering and Illegal DumpingLittering and Illegal DumpingLittering and Illegal DumpingLittering and Illegal Dumping
If littering or illegal dumping is witnessed first-hand, obtain details
and turn them over to an enforcement agency as soon as possible.
Remember that safety is essential, so do not approach the suspected
violator or enter into a dangerous situation.
Helpful information for successful prosecutions includes:
• License plate number and description of vehicle
involved,
• Number of persons involved with descriptions of
each,
• Date and time of incident,
• Location and/or directions,
• Ownership of the site, if known,
• Witness’s contact information, if additional
information or follow ups are needed.
If a vehicle is involved, the owner of the vehicle is responsible for
trash dropped, thrown, or deposited from the vehicle, regardless of
who committed the offense. The license number may be all that is
needed to report; however, the more information provided, the
stronger the case.
If it is believed that crucial evidence may be blown away or scattered
from the original point of littering, consider taking time and date-
stamped photos of potential evidence and carefully collecting
evidence with rubber gloves and paper bags for the enforcement
agency.
13PA
Fis
h a
nd
Bo
at C
od
e, T
itle
30,
Ch
apte
r 25
Co
ve
rs litte
rin
g a
nd
ille
ga
l d
um
pin
g o
n C
om
mis
-
sio
n-o
wn
ed
or
co
ntr
olle
d p
rop
ert
y a
nd
in
or
alo
ng
wa
ters
or
lan
ds a
dja
ce
nt
to o
r co
ntig
uo
us t
o w
ate
rs
of
the
Co
mm
on
we
alth
.
PA
En
viro
nm
enta
l Pro
tect
ion
Co
de,
Tit
le 2
5R
eg
ula
tio
ns a
re d
eri
ve
d f
rom
th
e S
olid
Wa
ste
Ma
na
ge
me
nt A
ct,
Wa
ste
Tir
e R
ecyclin
g A
ct,
Mu
nic
ipa
l W
aste
Pla
nn
ing
, R
ecyclin
g a
nd
Wa
ste
Re
du
ctio
n A
ct,
an
d t
he
Cle
an
Str
ea
ms L
aw
. T
his
co
de
ma
ke
s it
un
law
ful fo
r a
nyo
ne
to
dis
po
se
of
wa
ste
, w
ith
in t
he
co
mm
on
we
alth
, a
t a
nyw
he
re o
the
r
tha
n t
o a
fa
cili
ty t
ha
t h
as a
DE
P p
erm
it t
o o
pe
rate
.
It a
lso
re
qu
ire
s v
eh
icle
s u
se
d t
o h
au
l w
aste
to
be
ap
pro
pri
ate
ly m
ark
ed
an
d m
ee
t o
the
r re
str
ictio
ns.
Th
e e
xce
ptio
n is in
div
idu
als
ha
ulin
g t
he
ir o
wn
mu
nic
ipa
l w
aste
to
a p
erm
itte
d f
acili
ty.
De
pe
nd
ing
on
th
e v
iola
tio
n:
As a
civ
il p
en
alty,
fin
e c
an
be
as h
igh
as $
25
,00
0
pe
r o
ffe
nse
.
As a
cri
min
al
pe
na
lty,
fin
e c
an
be
be
twe
en
$1
00
an
d $
50
0,0
00
pe
r in
cid
en
t d
ep
en
din
g o
n t
he
typ
e
of
off
en
se
(i.e
. su
mm
ary
off
en
se
, m
isd
em
ea
no
r,
felo
ny)
an
d d
eg
ree
.
Ve
hic
les c
an
be
se
ize
d a
nd
fo
rfe
ite
d t
o t
he
de
pa
rtm
en
t if u
se
d t
o v
iola
te a
ny r
eg
ula
tio
n
pe
rta
inin
g t
o t
he
tra
nsp
ort
atio
n o
f w
aste
.
PA
De
pa
rtm
en
t o
f E
nvir
on
me
nta
l
Pro
tectio
n (D
EP
)
Bu
rea
u o
f W
aste
Ma
na
ge
me
nt
Bu
rea
u o
f W
ate
rsh
ed
Ma
na
ge
me
nt
PA
Co
de,
Tit
le 1
7, C
hap
ters
11
& 2
1C
on
serv
atio
n a
nd
Nat
ura
l Res
ou
rces
, Sta
teP
arks
, an
d S
tate
Fo
rest
s R
ule
s an
dR
egu
lati
on
sC
ove
rs litte
rin
g a
nd
ille
ga
l d
um
pin
g in
Sta
te P
ark
s
an
d S
tate
Fo
rests
.
A s
um
ma
ry o
ffe
nse
un
de
r se
ctio
n 7
50
6 o
f th
e
Cri
me
s C
od
e. A
n a
dd
itio
na
l fin
e o
f $
10
ma
y b
e
imp
ose
d f
or
ea
ch
ite
m o
f lit
ter
thro
wn
, d
isca
rde
d,
left
, e
mitte
d,
or
de
po
site
d in
vio
latio
n o
f th
is
se
ct i
on
.
PA
DC
NR
Bu
rea
u o
f S
tate
Pa
rks
Bu
rea
u o
f F
ore
str
y
PA
Fis
h a
nd
Bo
at C
om
mis
sio
n
PA
Gam
e C
om
mis
sio
n
A s
um
ma
ry o
ffe
nse
un
de
r se
ctio
n 7
50
6 o
f th
e
Cri
me
s C
od
e. A
n a
dd
itio
na
l fin
e o
f $
10
ma
y b
e
imp
ose
d f
or
ea
ch
ite
m o
f lit
ter
thro
wn
, d
isca
rde
d,
left
, e
mitte
d,
or
de
po
site
d in
vio
latio
n o
f th
is
se
ct i
on
.
PA
DE
P
PA
Fis
h a
nd
Bo
at C
om
mis
sio
n
PA
Gam
e C
om
mis
sio
n
Va
rie
s b
y m
un
icip
alit
y.L
oca
l C
od
e E
nfo
rce
me
nt
Off
ice
s
Lo
ca
l S
olid
Wa
ste
Au
tho
ritie
s
Co
un
ty H
ea
lth
De
pa
rtm
en
ts
PA
Gam
e an
d W
ildlif
e C
od
e, T
itle
34,
Ch
apte
r 25
Co
ve
rs litte
rin
g a
nd
ille
ga
l d
um
pin
g o
n S
tate
Ga
me
La
nd
s o
r o
n l
an
ds o
r w
ate
rs o
pe
n t
o p
ub
lic
hu
ntin
g o
r fu
rta
kin
g.
A s
um
ma
ry o
ffe
nse
of
the
th
ird
de
gre
e r
esu
ltin
g i
n
a f
ine
of
no
t le
ss t
ha
n $
20
0 n
or
mo
re t
ha
n $
50
0,
wh
ich
ca
n b
e d
ou
ble
d f
or
su
bse
qu
en
t o
ffe
nse
s.
An
ad
ditio
na
l fin
e o
f $
10
ma
y b
e i
mp
ose
d f
or
ea
ch
ite
m o
f lit
ter
thro
wn
, d
isca
rde
d,
left
, e
mitte
d,
or
de
po
site
d i
n v
iola
tio
n o
f th
is s
ectio
n.
PA
Fis
h a
nd
Bo
at C
om
mis
sio
n
PA
Gam
e C
om
mis
sio
n
Lo
cal O
rdin
ance
sC
ove
r lit
teri
ng
, ill
eg
al d
um
pin
g,
an
d s
tora
ge
of
wa
ste
. O
rdin
an
ce
s m
ay v
ary
in
diffe
ren
t
mu
nic
ipa
litie
s.
Five Steps for Successful Enforcement Five Steps for Successful Enforcement
12 5
PA
Veh
icle
Co
de,
Tit
le 7
5, C
hap
ter
37C
ove
rs l
itte
r a
nd
wa
ste
dro
pp
ed
, th
row
n,
or
de
po
site
d f
rom
a v
eh
icle
th
at
lan
ds u
po
n a
ny
hig
hw
ay,
oth
er
pu
bl ic
or
pri
va
te p
rop
ert
y w
i th
ou
t
the
co
nse
nt
of
the
ow
ne
r, o
r in
to o
r o
n t
he
wa
ters
of
the
Co
mm
on
we
alth
. V
eh
icle
ow
ne
rs a
re
resp
on
sib
le e
ve
n i
f th
e o
wn
er
wa
s n
ot
dri
vin
g o
r
wa
s n
ot
in t
he
ve
hic
le.
A s
um
ma
ry o
ffe
nse
an
d,
up
on
co
nvic
tio
n,
ma
y b
e
se
nte
nce
d t
o e
ith
er
or
bo
th:
1.
To
pa
y a
fin
e o
f n
ot
mo
re t
ha
n $
90
0 in
an
ea
se
me
nt
pu
rch
ase
d u
nd
er
the
Ag
ricu
l tu
ral
Are
a S
ecu
rity
La
w,
$6
00
in
an
ag
ricu
ltu
ral
se
cu
rity
are
a,
or
$3
00
an
yw
he
re e
lse
.
2.
To
pic
k u
p a
nd
re
mo
ve
litte
r fo
r n
ot
less t
ha
n 8
ho
urs
no
r m
ore
th
an
16
ho
urs
fo
r th
e f
irst
co
nvic
tio
n.
Lo
ca
l Po
lice
PA
Sta
te P
olic
e
PA
De
pa
rtm
en
t o
f C
on
se
rva
tio
n a
nd
Na
tura
l R
eso
urc
es (
DC
NR
)
B
ure
au
of
Sta
te P
ark
s
B
ure
au
of
Fo
restr
y
(i
n s
tate
pa
rks &
fo
rests
on
ly)
PA
Veh
icle
Co
de,
Tit
le 7
5, C
hap
ter
49C
ove
rs e
sca
pe
d v
eh
icle
lo
ad
s t
ha
t ca
use
in
jury
to
a p
ers
on
or
da
ma
ge
to
an
oth
er
ve
hic
le o
r o
the
r
pro
pe
rty a
s a
re
su
lt o
f im
pro
pe
r se
cu
rin
g o
f su
ch
load.
A s
um
ma
ry o
ffe
nse
an
d,
up
on
co
nvic
tio
n,
ma
y b
e
se
nte
nce
d:
1
. To
pa
y a
fin
e o
f n
ot
less t
ha
n $
10
0 n
or
mo
re
th
an
$3
00
if
the
vio
latio
n r
esu
lts in
no
in
jury
or
d
am
ag
e.
2
. To
pa
y a
fin
e o
f n
ot
less t
ha
n $
30
0 n
or
mo
re
th
an
$1
,00
0 if
the
vio
latio
n r
esu
lts in
in
jury
to
a
p
ers
on
or
da
ma
ge
to
an
oth
er
ve
hic
le o
r o
the
r
p
rop
ert
y.
Lo
ca
l Po
l ice
PA
Sta
te P
olic
e
PA
DC
NR
Bu
rea
u o
f S
tate
Pa
rks
Bu
rea
u o
f F
ore
str
y
(in
sta
te p
ark
s &
fo
rests
on
ly)
PA
Cri
mes
Co
de,
Tit
le 1
8, C
hap
ter
65C
ove
rs l
itte
r o
r w
aste
de
po
site
d i
nto
or
up
on
an
y
roa
d o
r ri
gh
t-o
f-w
ay,
la
nd
of
an
oth
er,
or
into
th
e
wa
ters
of
the
Co
mm
on
we
alth
. T
his
ca
n i
nclu
de
so
me
on
e ille
ga
lly d
isp
osin
g t
he
ir t
rash
or
so
me
on
e
wh
o i
s p
aid
to
dis
po
se
of
tra
sh
.
A s
um
ma
ry o
ffe
nse
fo
r th
e f
irst
off
en
se
an
d u
po
n
co
nvic
tio
n t
he
reo
f sh
all
be
se
nte
nce
d t
o p
ay a
fin
e
of
no
t le
ss t
ha
n $
50
no
r m
ore
th
an
$3
00
or
to
imp
riso
nm
en
t fo
r n
ot
mo
re t
ha
n 9
0 d
ays,
or
bo
th.
Lo
ca
l Po
lice
PA
Sta
te P
olic
e
PA
Fis
h a
nd
Bo
at C
om
mis
sio
n
PA
Gam
e C
om
mis
sio
n
PA
DC
NR
Bu
rea
u o
f S
tate
Pa
rks
Bu
rea
u o
f F
ore
str
y
(in
sta
te p
ark
s &
fo
rests
on
ly)
Appen
dix
A - P
ennsy
lvania
’s L
itte
ring
and Ille
gal D
um
pin
g La
ws
LA
W
PE
NA
LTY
EN
FO
RC
EM
EN
T A
GE
NC
IES
(w
ith
in J
uri
sdic
tio
ns)
Illegal dumpsites should be reported to the appropriate enforcement
agency as soon as possible (See Step 3 on pages 6 and 7). If the
property is publicly owned or permission to enter from the private
property owner has been granted, the trash may be accessed.
Document any potential evidence with time and date-stamped
photos; however, do not disturb or remove any of the trash. Evidence
tends to be in the form of mail or bills, magazines, medicine bottles,
receipts, or pizza boxes that contain someone’s name. Be aware
that picking through trash poses some health and safety risks. If the
property owner is unknown, simply report the location and stay out.
It is always better if an enforcement agent finds the evidence
undisturbed. The agent is properly trained and empowered, and this
prevents any question of evidence tampering. The agent is able to
testify that the evidence was part of the dump and reduces the
chances of others being called upon to testify in court. However,
additional testimonies may be needed, and it is always helpful and
appreciated if individuals are willing to testify in court from the
beginning.
A timely report, along with clear evidence, could help identify the
person(s) responsible for the dumping. Delayed reporting decreases
the chances for successful prosecution and the size of the dump may
grow.
Report older dumpsites, too, since they may have never been reported.
This information adds to data collected by some municipalities or
counties and may result in increased surveillance of the site. If
interested in going beyond just reporting the problem, contact Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful. They may be aware of efforts or groups that
may be interested in organizing a cleanup or help start one.
Five Steps for Successful Enforcement Five Steps for Successful Enforcement
6 11
Step 3Step 3Step 3Step 3Step 3Contacting an EnforcementContacting an EnforcementContacting an EnforcementContacting an EnforcementContacting an Enforcement
AgencyAgencyAgencyAgencyAgency
Enforcement agents are trained to investigate complaints, collect
evidence, and take cases to court. They have the authority to conduct
inspections and are trained to identify and gather evidence to make
a legal case. They may also want to partner with other groups and
individuals to tackle the problem.
By contacting an agency, there is the benefit of anonymity, since most
agencies have confidentiality policies. Anonymity may also help
protect against any countersuits of libel. However, the Pennsylvania
Right-to-Know Law may interfere, and testifying in court may be
important to a case, especially if littering or illegal dumping is
witnessed first-hand.
If a case goes to court, the agency acts as the plaintiff. Enforcement
agents determine the strength of a case when deciding to press
charges. Attending the hearing is part of an agency’s responsibilities
and may eliminate the need for other testimonies.
A complaint can be filed individually through the appropriate District
Justice with jurisdiction in the area of the violation; however, the
responsibility of proving that a crime was committed is assumed by
the individual. There is also the risk of a countersuit if the court
does not find the defendant guilty.
Working with state and local agents:
• Sends a message that this behavior is unlawful and
unacceptable,
• Increases the rate of successful prosecutions,
Local Code Enforcement Officer
Local Police
County GovernmentConservation District
Health Department
Solid Waste Authority
Pennsylvania State Police
PA DCNR
PA DEP
PA Game Commission
PA Fish and Boat Commission
State Representative
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Local Affiliate
Other
Suggested ContactsSuggested ContactsSuggested ContactsSuggested ContactsSuggested Contacts Name/Phone #/ Name/Phone #/ Name/Phone #/ Name/Phone #/ Name/Phone #/ Address Address Address Address Address
Five Steps for Successful Enforcement Five Steps for Successful Enforcement
10 7
• Increases enforcement activity,
• Sets an example to others.
There are many reporting options, depending on whether the
property is publicly or privately owned, the property’s use, and
whether or not a local police department has jurisdiction. Many
factors apply to reporting, and additional agencies may need to be
contacted to ensure that the best suited agency handles the complaint.
Always start at the local level. Local officials are familiar with
properties and residents and should be able to respond quickly. Check
to see if any of the following local agencies exist.
• Local Police
• Municipal Code Enforcement
• County Code Enforcement
• County Solid Waste Authority
• County Health Department
If local agencies do not exist or their response is unsatisfactory, there
are other options. A list of Pennsylvania’s littering and illegal dumping
enforcement agencies are listed in Appendix B on Page 14.
Step 5Step 5Step 5Step 5Step 5Going Beyond EnforcementGoing Beyond EnforcementGoing Beyond EnforcementGoing Beyond EnforcementGoing Beyond Enforcement
Enforcement is only one aspect in the fight against littering and illegal
dumping. The following are other options that go beyond
enforcement.
• Dispose of trash properly and reduce, reuse, and
recycle whenever possible.
• Hire only licensed and reputable haulers for special
services. Many people assume that anyone paid to
collect trash is legitimate.
• Encourage the community to sponsor a Community
Cleanup Day.
• Volunteer in other local or statewide cleanups (such
as the Great American Cleanup of Pennsylvania) or
organize a cleanup*.
• Join Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful or inquire about
organizing a local affiliate if one does not exist in a
particular county or area.
• Adopt a local road, waterway, trail, greenway,
community, or another public area through the Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful Adoption Program. Other
adoption programs across Pennsylvania exist at both
local and state levels, including PennDOT’s Adopt-a-
Highway Program for state maintained roads.
• Work with other individuals, groups, and agencies to
increase everyone’s sense of stewardship and
community.
*For more information, see Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s publication,
Guidelines for Illegal Dump Cleanups: 10 Steps to Organizing an
Illegal Dump Cleanup .
Five Steps for Successful Enforcement Five Steps for Successful Enforcement
8 9
Step 4Step 4Step 4Step 4Step 4Prosecuting Littering andProsecuting Littering andProsecuting Littering andProsecuting Littering andProsecuting Littering and
Illegal DumpingIllegal DumpingIllegal DumpingIllegal DumpingIllegal Dumping
The Individual Approach
The approach - what is reported and how – can create an atmosphere
of cooperation and help strengthen an agency’s prosecution case.
• Become part of the solution. Be willing to work with
the agency or police, following the complaint through
to the cleanup.
• Be patient. The response may not be immediate.
• Be persistent. Not every report results in a successful
prosecution, but future reports may get better
responses.
• Take concerns to a higher level within the same
agency or to a different agency if the final response is
not satisfactory.
• Share contact information even if the complaint is
being handled anonymously. The agency may need
additional information. Anonymity may also affect the
priority of an agency response.
• Be a model and get involved.
The Agency Approach
After an incident is reported, the enforcement agency will send an
agent to investigate the problem to determine the extent of the
violations. If evidence is found:
• Agents can ask violators to remove litter or trash in
exchange for a reduced penalty,
• Police departments and some agencies can issue
citations at the site; other agencies issue Notices of
Violation,
• The agency can file a complaint with the local District
Justice.
If a case is especially blatant, it can be referred to the State Attorney
General by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection. Criminal cases heard by the Attorney General can result
in penalties or jail time, but may not result in a cleanup by the violator.
If no evidence is found, the enforcement agent can require a cleanup
or issue a citation to the property owner. Often agents are reluctant
to do this when they believe that the property owner is the victim
of other people’s behavior.
Following Up on Complaints
If the agency investigation or prosecution was not successful, the
best solution is to try and have the illegal dumpsite cleaned up. This
way, subsequent dumping will be easier to define and identify.
By all means, do not get discouraged. Every new complaint and
subsequent actions strengthen the message that littering and dumping
are illegal and that someone is watching. This may be enough to
change some individuals’ behavior for the better. Contact Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful for information on how to successfully clean
up an illegal dumpsite.
Five Steps for Successful Enforcement Five Steps for Successful Enforcement
8 9
Step 4Step 4Step 4Step 4Step 4Prosecuting Littering andProsecuting Littering andProsecuting Littering andProsecuting Littering andProsecuting Littering and
Illegal DumpingIllegal DumpingIllegal DumpingIllegal DumpingIllegal Dumping
The Individual Approach
The approach - what is reported and how – can create an atmosphere
of cooperation and help strengthen an agency’s prosecution case.
• Become part of the solution. Be willing to work with
the agency or police, following the complaint through
to the cleanup.
• Be patient. The response may not be immediate.
• Be persistent. Not every report results in a successful
prosecution, but future reports may get better
responses.
• Take concerns to a higher level within the same
agency or to a different agency if the final response is
not satisfactory.
• Share contact information even if the complaint is
being handled anonymously. The agency may need
additional information. Anonymity may also affect the
priority of an agency response.
• Be a model and get involved.
The Agency Approach
After an incident is reported, the enforcement agency will send an
agent to investigate the problem to determine the extent of the
violations. If evidence is found:
• Agents can ask violators to remove litter or trash in
exchange for a reduced penalty,
• Police departments and some agencies can issue
citations at the site; other agencies issue Notices of
Violation,
• The agency can file a complaint with the local District
Justice.
If a case is especially blatant, it can be referred to the State Attorney
General by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection. Criminal cases heard by the Attorney General can result
in penalties or jail time, but may not result in a cleanup by the violator.
If no evidence is found, the enforcement agent can require a cleanup
or issue a citation to the property owner. Often agents are reluctant
to do this when they believe that the property owner is the victim
of other people’s behavior.
Following Up on Complaints
If the agency investigation or prosecution was not successful, the
best solution is to try and have the illegal dumpsite cleaned up. This
way, subsequent dumping will be easier to define and identify.
By all means, do not get discouraged. Every new complaint and
subsequent actions strengthen the message that littering and dumping
are illegal and that someone is watching. This may be enough to
change some individuals’ behavior for the better. Contact Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful for information on how to successfully clean
up an illegal dumpsite.
Five Steps for Successful Enforcement Five Steps for Successful Enforcement
10 7
• Increases enforcement activity,
• Sets an example to others.
There are many reporting options, depending on whether the
property is publicly or privately owned, the property’s use, and
whether or not a local police department has jurisdiction. Many
factors apply to reporting, and additional agencies may need to be
contacted to ensure that the best suited agency handles the complaint.
Always start at the local level. Local officials are familiar with
properties and residents and should be able to respond quickly. Check
to see if any of the following local agencies exist.
• Local Police
• Municipal Code Enforcement
• County Code Enforcement
• County Solid Waste Authority
• County Health Department
If local agencies do not exist or their response is unsatisfactory, there
are other options. A list of Pennsylvania’s littering and illegal dumping
enforcement agencies are listed in Appendix B on Page 14.
Step 5Step 5Step 5Step 5Step 5Going Beyond EnforcementGoing Beyond EnforcementGoing Beyond EnforcementGoing Beyond EnforcementGoing Beyond Enforcement
Enforcement is only one aspect in the fight against littering and illegal
dumping. The following are other options that go beyond
enforcement.
• Dispose of trash properly and reduce, reuse, and
recycle whenever possible.
• Hire only licensed and reputable haulers for special
services. Many people assume that anyone paid to
collect trash is legitimate.
• Encourage the community to sponsor a Community
Cleanup Day.
• Volunteer in other local or statewide cleanups (such
as the Great American Cleanup of Pennsylvania) or
organize a cleanup*.
• Join Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful or inquire about
organizing a local affiliate if one does not exist in a
particular county or area.
• Adopt a local road, waterway, trail, greenway,
community, or another public area through the Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful Adoption Program. Other
adoption programs across Pennsylvania exist at both
local and state levels, including PennDOT’s Adopt-a-
Highway Program for state maintained roads.
• Work with other individuals, groups, and agencies to
increase everyone’s sense of stewardship and
community.
*For more information, see Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s publication,
Guidelines for Illegal Dump Cleanups: 10 Steps to Organizing an
Illegal Dump Cleanup .
Five Steps for Successful Enforcement Five Steps for Successful Enforcement
6 11
Step 3Step 3Step 3Step 3Step 3Contacting an EnforcementContacting an EnforcementContacting an EnforcementContacting an EnforcementContacting an Enforcement
AgencyAgencyAgencyAgencyAgency
Enforcement agents are trained to investigate complaints, collect
evidence, and take cases to court. They have the authority to conduct
inspections and are trained to identify and gather evidence to make
a legal case. They may also want to partner with other groups and
individuals to tackle the problem.
By contacting an agency, there is the benefit of anonymity, since most
agencies have confidentiality policies. Anonymity may also help
protect against any countersuits of libel. However, the Pennsylvania
Right-to-Know Law may interfere, and testifying in court may be
important to a case, especially if littering or illegal dumping is
witnessed first-hand.
If a case goes to court, the agency acts as the plaintiff. Enforcement
agents determine the strength of a case when deciding to press
charges. Attending the hearing is part of an agency’s responsibilities
and may eliminate the need for other testimonies.
A complaint can be filed individually through the appropriate District
Justice with jurisdiction in the area of the violation; however, the
responsibility of proving that a crime was committed is assumed by
the individual. There is also the risk of a countersuit if the court
does not find the defendant guilty.
Working with state and local agents:
• Sends a message that this behavior is unlawful and
unacceptable,
• Increases the rate of successful prosecutions,
Local Code Enforcement Officer
Local Police
County GovernmentConservation District
Health Department
Solid Waste Authority
Pennsylvania State Police
PA DCNR
PA DEP
PA Game Commission
PA Fish and Boat Commission
State Representative
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Local Affiliate
Other
Suggested ContactsSuggested ContactsSuggested ContactsSuggested ContactsSuggested Contacts Name/Phone #/ Name/Phone #/ Name/Phone #/ Name/Phone #/ Name/Phone #/ Address Address Address Address Address
Five Steps for Successful Enforcement
Five Steps for Successful Enforcement
4
STE
P 2ST
EP 2
STE
P 2ST
EP 2
STE
P 2W
itnessing and Reporting
Witnessing and R
eportingW
itnessing and Reporting
Witnessing and R
eportingW
itnessing and Reporting
Littering and Illegal Dum
pingLittering and Illegal D
umping
Littering and Illegal Dum
pingLittering and Illegal D
umping
Littering and Illegal Dum
ping
If littering or illega
l dum
pin
g is witn
essed first-h
and, ob
tain
deta
ils
and tu
rn th
em over to a
n en
forcemen
t agen
cy as soon
as p
ossible.
Rem
ember th
at sa
fety is essentia
l, so do n
ot approa
ch th
e susp
ected
violator or en
ter into a
dangerou
s situation
.
Help
ful in
formation
for successfu
l prosecu
tions in
cludes:
•Licen
se pla
te num
ber a
nd d
escriptio
n o
f vehicle
invo
lved,
•N
um
ber of p
ersons in
volved w
ith d
escription
s of
each
,
•D
ate a
nd tim
e of incid
ent,
•Loca
tion a
nd/or d
irections,
•O
wnersh
ip of th
e site, if know
n,
•W
itness’s
conta
ct in
form
atio
n,
if additio
nal
inform
ation
or follow u
ps a
re need
ed.
If a veh
icle is involved
, the ow
ner of th
e vehicle is resp
onsib
le for
trash
drop
ped
, throw
n, or d
eposited
from th
e vehicle, rega
rdless of
who com
mitted
the offen
se. The licen
se num
ber m
ay b
e all th
at is
need
ed to rep
ort; how
ever, the m
ore inform
ation
provid
ed, th
e
stronger th
e case.
If it is believed
that cru
cial evid
ence m
ay b
e blow
n a
way or sca
ttered
from th
e original p
oint of litterin
g, consid
er takin
g time a
nd d
ate-
stam
ped
photo
s of p
oten
tial evid
ence a
nd ca
refully co
llecting
eviden
ce with
rubber gloves a
nd p
aper b
ags for th
e enforcem
ent
agency.
13 PA Fish and Boat Code, Title 30, Chapter 25
Covers littering and illegal dumping on Commis-
sion-owned or controlled property and in or along
waters or lands adjacent to or contiguous to waters
of the Commonwealth.
PA Environmental Protection Code, Title 25Regulations are derived from the Solid Waste
Management Act, Waste Tire Recycling Act,
Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste
Reduction Act, and the Clean Streams Law. This
code makes it unlawful for anyone to dispose of
waste, within the commonwealth, at anywhere other
than to a facility that has a DEP permit to operate.
It also requires vehicles used to haul waste to be
appropriately marked and meet other restrictions.
The exception is individuals hauling their own
municipal waste to a permitted facility.
Depending on the violation:
As a civil penalty, fine can be as high as $25,000
per offense.
As a criminal penalty, fine can be between $100
and $500,000 per incident depending on the type
of offense (i.e. summary offense, misdemeanor,
felony) and degree.
Vehicles can be seized and forfeited to the
department if used to violate any regulation
pertaining to the transportation of waste.
PA Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP)
Bureau of Waste Management
Bureau of Watershed Management
PA Code, Title 17, Chapters 11 & 21Conservation and Natural Resources, StateParks, and State Forests Rules andRegulationsCovers littering and illegal dumping in State Parks
and State Forests.
A summary offense under section 7506 of the
Crimes Code. An additional fine of $10 may be
imposed for each item of litter thrown, discarded,
left, emitted, or deposited in violation of this
section.
PA DCNR
Bureau of State Parks
Bureau of Forestry
PA Fish and Boat Commission
PA Game Commission
A summary offense under section 7506 of the
Crimes Code. An additional fine of $10 may be
imposed for each item of litter thrown, discarded,
left, emitted, or deposited in violation of this
section.
PA DEP
PA Fish and Boat Commission
PA Game Commission
Varies by municipality. Local Code Enforcement Offices
Local Solid Waste Authorities
County Health Departments
PA Game and Wildlife Code, Title 34,Chapter 25Covers littering and illegal dumping on State Game
Lands or on lands or waters open to public
hunting or furtaking.
A summary offense of the third degree resulting in
a fine of not less than $200 nor more than $500,
which can be doubled for subsequent offenses.
An additional fine of $10 may be imposed for each
item of litter thrown, discarded, left, emitted, or
deposited in violation of this section.
PA Fish and Boat Commission
PA Game Commission
Local OrdinancesCover littering, illegal dumping, and storage of
waste. Ordinances may vary in different
municipalities.
Five Steps for Successful Enforcement
Five Steps for Successful Enforcement
12
5
PA Vehicle Code, Title 75, Chapter 37Covers litter and waste dropped, thrown, or
deposited from a vehicle that lands upon any
highway, other public or private property without
the consent of the owner, or into or on the waters
of the Commonwealth. Vehicle owners are
responsible even if the owner was not driving or
was not in the vehicle.
A summary offense and, upon conviction, may be
sentenced to either or both:
1. To pay a fine of not more than $900 in an
easement purchased under the Agricultural
Area Security Law, $600 in an agricultural
security area, or $300 anywhere else.
2. To pick up and remove litter for not less than 8
hours nor more than 16 hours for the first
conviction.
Local Police
PA State Police
PA Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources (DCNR)
Bureau of State Parks
Bureau of Forestry
(in state parks & forests only)
PA Vehicle Code, Title 75, Chapter 49Covers escaped vehicle loads that cause injury to
a person or damage to another vehicle or other
property as a result of improper securing of such
load.
A summary offense and, upon conviction, may be
sentenced:
1. To pay a fine of not less than $100 nor more
than $300 if the violation results in no injury or
damage.
2. To pay a fine of not less than $300 nor more
than $1,000 if the violation results in injury to a
person or damage to another vehicle or other
property.
Local Police
PA State Police
PA DCNR
Bureau of State Parks
Bureau of Forestry
(in state parks & forests only)
PA Crimes Code, Title 18, Chapter 65Covers litter or waste deposited into or upon any
road or right-of-way, land of another, or into the
waters of the Commonwealth. This can include
someone illegally disposing their trash or someone
who is paid to dispose of trash.
A summary offense for the first offense and upon
conviction thereof shall be sentenced to pay a fine
of not less than $50 nor more than $300 or to
imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or both.
Local Police
PA State Police
PA Fish and Boat Commission
PA Game Commission
PA DCNR
Bureau of State Parks
Bureau of Forestry
(in state parks & forests only)
Appendix A - Pennsylvania’s Littering and Illegal Dumping Laws
LAW PENALTY ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES (within Jurisdictions)
Illegal d
um
psites sh
ould
be rep
orted to th
e approp
riate en
forcemen
t
agen
cy as soon
as p
ossible (See Step
3 on
pages 6
and 7
). If the
prop
erty is publicly ow
ned
or perm
ission to en
ter from th
e priva
te
prop
erty owner h
as b
een gra
nted
, the tra
sh m
ay b
e accessed
.
Docu
men
t any p
oten
tial evid
ence w
ith tim
e and d
ate-sta
mped
photos; how
ever, do not disturb or remove any of the trash. E
vidence
tends to b
e in th
e form of m
ail or b
ills, maga
zines, m
edicin
e bottles,
receipts, or p
izza b
oxes that con
tain
someon
e’s nam
e. Be a
ware
that p
icking th
rough
trash
poses som
e hea
lth a
nd sa
fety risks. If the
prop
erty owner is u
nkn
own, sim
ply rep
ort the loca
tion a
nd sta
y out.
It is alw
ays b
etter if an en
forcem
ent a
gent fin
ds th
e eviden
ce
undistu
rbed
. The a
gent is p
roperly tra
ined
and em
pow
ered, a
nd th
is
preven
ts any q
uestion
of eviden
ce tam
perin
g. The a
gent is a
ble to
testify that th
e eviden
ce was p
art of th
e dum
p a
nd red
uces th
e
chances of oth
ers bein
g called
upon
to testify in cou
rt. How
ever,
addition
al testim
onies m
ay b
e need
ed, a
nd it is a
lways h
elpfu
l and
apprecia
ted if in
divid
uals a
re willin
g to testify in cou
rt from th
e
begin
nin
g.
A tim
ely report, a
long w
ith clea
r eviden
ce, could
help
iden
tify the
person
(s) respon
sible for th
e dum
pin
g. Dela
yed rep
orting d
ecreases
the ch
ances for su
ccessful p
rosecution
and th
e size of the d
um
p m
ay
grow.
Rep
ort older dumpsites, too, since they m
ay have never been reported.
This in
formation
adds to d
ata
collected b
y some m
unicip
alities or
counties a
nd m
ay resu
lt in in
creased
surveilla
nce of th
e site. If
interested
in goin
g beyon
d ju
st reportin
g the p
roblem
, conta
ct Keep
Pennsylva
nia
Bea
utifu
l. They m
ay b
e aw
are of efforts or grou
ps th
at
may b
e interested
in orga
nizin
g a clea
nup or h
elp sta
rt one.
Five Steps for Successful Enforcement Five Steps for Successful Enforcement
14 3
• Attracting additional dumping and other crimes,
• Discouraging new residents and businesses,
• Decreasing income,
• Taking away tax dollars that could be better spent to
serve the community,
• Decreasing community worth,
• Spoiling the beauty of our lands,
• Damaging equipment or causing accidents.
Any improper disposal of trash – littering or illegal dumping – is
against the law and violators can be prosecuted. Numerous agencies
enforce laws addressing improper disposal of trash. The Pennsylvania
General Assembly (www.pacode.com) created and enacted our
littering and dumping laws. In addition, county and municipal
governments create and enact ordinances that are specific within
their local boundaries. A summary of Pennsylvania’s littering and
illegal dumping laws can be found in Appendix A on pages 12 and 13.
Methamphetamine Lab Waste Warning
PA State Police
Enforces Pennsylvania’s Crime
and Vehicle Codes and educates
citizens all across Pennsylvania.
The area is not covered by
a local police department;
Littering and illegal
dumping occurs on public
land, such as a state road
right-of-way; and littering
and illegal dumping
occurs on private land,
and the complainant owns
that land which is not
covered by a local police
department.
Contact closest State
Police Station. Depart-
ment Headquarters,
1800 Elmerton Avenue,
Harrisburg, PA 17110
www.psp.state.pa.us
(717) 783-5599
Illegal dumping only has
occurred.Contact appropriate
regional office.
Rachel Carson State
Office Building, 400
Market Street,
Harrisburg, PA 17101
www.depweb.state.pa.us
(717) 783-2300
The trash lies in or near
surface waters.
Contact appropriate
regional office.1601
Elmerton Avenue, P.O.
Box 67000, Harrisburg,
PA 17106-7000
www.fish.state.pa.us
(717) 705-7800
Litter and illegal dumping
occurs on State Game
Lands and on private
property that is open to
hunting and furtaking.
Contact appropriate
regional office. 2001
Elmerton Avenue,
Harrisburg, PA 17110-
9797
www.pgc.state.pa.us
(717) 787-4250
Litter and illegal dumping
impacts State Parks and
State Forests.
Appendix B
Pennsylvania’s Littering and Illegal Dumping Enforcement Agencies
STATE AGENCY WILL RESPOND IF: CONTACT
Contact appropriate
State Park Office or
State Forest District
Office. Rachel Carson
State Office Building,
P.O. Box 8767, 400
Market Street,
Harrisburg, PA 17105-
8767
www.dcnr.state.pa.us
(717) 787-2869
PA Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources
Maintains Pennsylvania’s State
Parks and State Forests, enforces
State Parks and State Forests
Rules and Regulations, develops
community conservation
partnerships, provides environ-
mental education and outreach,
and provides information on the
state’s ecological and natural
resources.
PA Game Commission
Enforces hunting, trapping, and
wildlife regulations, promotes
wildlife, hunter/trapper, and
environmental education,
manages wildlife, and conducts
research.
PA Fish and Boat Commission
Enforces fishing and boating
regulations, educates citizens,
manages fish hatcheries, and
enhances and preserves the
state’s aquatic environment.
PA Department of
Environmental Protection
Enforces and permits the Solid
Waste Management Act, Waste
Tire Recycling Act, Municipal
Waste Planning, Recycling and
Waste Reduction Act, and the
Clean Streams Law Act among
other regulations and educates
citizens.
A methamphetamine lab is an illegal operation set up to produce the
illegal stimulant, methamphetamine. There are several methods to produce
methamphetamine, but they all use a variety of chemicals including
explosives, solvents, metals, salts, and corrosives. The fumes, vapors, after
salts, and spillage associated with the manufacturing can be toxic.
Because it is an illegal activity, methamphetamine producers may dispose
of their labs, evidence, and production waste by dumping it. If you
discover propane tanks, tubing, duct-taped bottles or coolers, coffee filters
stained with a reddish tint, or a strong smell of ammonia or ether, stay
away from the area and call the local state police. Do not touch, move
or open any kind of tank or sealed container. Be aware that propane
tanks are often weakened and brittle due to the anhydrous ammonia
and are sensitive to any kind of movement or impact. The drug can also
be produced using only a two-liter soda bottle. Do not touch two-liter
soda bottles that contain a brown and white sludge.
Five Steps for Successful Enforcement Five Steps for Successful Enforcement
2 15
STEP 1STEP 1STEP 1STEP 1STEP 1Knowing the Facts aboutKnowing the Facts aboutKnowing the Facts aboutKnowing the Facts aboutKnowing the Facts about
Littering and Illegal DumpingLittering and Illegal DumpingLittering and Illegal DumpingLittering and Illegal DumpingLittering and Illegal DumpingLittering and illegal dumping are acts of improper disposal of trash.
However, there are subtle differences between the two.
Litter is primarily small items that are scattered about – items such
as paper, food containers, beverage containers, convenience products,
newspapers, vehicle debris, and cardboard. Littering can be an
intentional act or it can be accidental. Some of the trash found along
roadways is the result of unintentional behavior such as items blown
from yards and vehicles, lost items, or debris leftover from accidents.
While litter is often easy to remove, keeping an area litter free can
be costly and time consuming.
Illegal dumping is always an intentional act and is done for many
reasons – cost, convenience, ignorance, habit, profit, or to hide other
illegal activities. Illegal dumping often involves large items or large
quantities of small items – appliances, tires, bags of daily trash,
furniture, construction and demolition debris, and other household
wastes. Illegal dumpsites are often difficult and costly to clean up,
and they take a greater toll on the environment and surrounding
communities.
Littering and illegal dumping pose significant threats to the
environment and to the health and safety of both humans and animals
by:
• Polluting ground and surface water,
• Introducing health concerns that may result in illness
and injury,
• Decreasing the value of the property that contains
the trash and adjacent properties,
NORTHEAST (570) 826-2511(Carbon, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike,
Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming)
SOUTHEAST (484) 250-5900(Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia)
NORTHCENTRAL (570) 327-3636(Bradford, Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming,
Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, Union)
SOUTHCENTRAL (717) 705-4700(Adams, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton,
Huntingdon, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, York)
NORTHWEST (814) 332-6945(Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mckean,
Mercer, Venango, Warren)
SOUTHWEST (412) 442-4000(Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana,
Somerset, Washington, Westmoreland)
PA Department of Environmental Protection
PA Fish and Boat Commission
NORTHEAST (570) 477-5717(Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike,
Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming)
SOUTHEAST (717) 626-0228(Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery,
Northampton, Philadelphia, Schuylkill)
NORTHCENTRAL (814) 359-5250(Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean,
Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Tioga, Union)
SOUTHCENTRAL (717) 486-7087(Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton,
Huntingdon, Juniata, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, York)
NORTHWEST (814) 337-0444(Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango,
Warren)
SOUTHWEST (814) 445-8974(Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana,
Somerset, Washington, Westmoreland)
Five Steps for Successful Enforcement Five Steps for Successful Enforcement
1
Five Steps forFive Steps forFive Steps forFive Steps forFive Steps forSuccessful EnforcementSuccessful EnforcementSuccessful EnforcementSuccessful EnforcementSuccessful Enforcement
IntroductionArticle I of the Pennsylvania Constitution states “ the people have a
right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic,
historic, and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania’s public
natural resources are the common property of all the people, including
generations yet to come.”
Litter is everywhere across Pennsylvania lining our roadways,
waterways, and greenways. Illegal dumpsites also plague our remote
and isolated places. It is disgusting, degrades our communities, and is
a real problem throughout Pennsylvania. However, with some time,
basic information, good contacts, and a “working-together” approach,
our “right” can be protected. This booklet provides basic enforcement
information that enables caring citizens to effectively work with
Pennsylvania’s enforcement agencies to help stop this unsightly and
damaging behavior. While Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is not an
enforcement agency, this booklet may be used as a step-by-step guide
when littering or illegal dumping is witnessed or found.
16
NORTHEAST REGION (570) 675-1143(Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour,
Northumberland, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming)
SOUTHEAST REGION (610) 926-3136(Berks, Bucks, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh,
Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, Schuylkill)
NORTHCENTRAL REGION (570) 398-4744(Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Lycoming, McKean, Potter,
Tioga, Union)
SOUTHCENTRAL REGION (814) 643-1831(Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon,
Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Snyder, York)
NORTHWEST REGION (814) 432-3187(Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer,
Venango, Warren)
SOUTHWEST REGION (724) 238-9523(Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana,
Somerset, Washington, Westmoreland)
Notes:Notes:Notes:Notes:Notes:
PA Game Commission
Five Steps for Successful Enforcement Five Steps for Successful Enforcement
TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTS
17
OUR MISSION
Empowering Pennsylvanians to make our communities clean and
beautiful.
OUR VISION
A clean and beautiful Pennsylvania.
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Education- the key to encourage positive behaviors toward com-
munity improvement. | Individual Responsibility- Improving com-
munities, their environment and quality of life all begins with
personal responsibility. | Public-Private Partnerships- Broad-based
community alliances are essential to achieve sustainable communi-
ty improvement. | Volunteer Action- By engaging volunteers, we
extend the reach of our educational efforts and multiply the
impact of our actions.
About Keep Pennsylvania BeautifulAbout Keep Pennsylvania BeautifulAbout Keep Pennsylvania BeautifulAbout Keep Pennsylvania BeautifulAbout Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful
Introduction......................................................................1
STEP 1 – Knowing the Facts about
Littering and Illegal Dumping................2, 3
STEP 2 – Witnessing and Reporting Littering
and Illegal Dumping................................4, 5
STEP 3 – Contacting an Enforcement Agency......6, 7
STEP 4 – Prosecuting Littering and
Illegal Dumping........................................8, 9
STEP 5 – Going beyond Enforcement......................10
Suggested Contacts......................................................11
Appendix A – Pennsylvania’s Littering and
Illegal Dumping Laws...................12, 13
Appendix B – Pennsylvania’s Littering and Illegal
Dumping Enforcement Agencies.....14
Agency Contacts.....................................................15, 16
About Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful...........................17
Five Steps for Successful Enforcement Five Steps for Successful Enforcement
Guidelines for LitteringGuidelines for LitteringGuidelines for LitteringGuidelines for LitteringGuidelines for Litteringand Illegal Dumpingand Illegal Dumpingand Illegal Dumpingand Illegal Dumpingand Illegal Dumping
EnforcementEnforcementEnforcementEnforcementEnforcement
5 Steps for Successful Enforcement5 Steps for Successful Enforcement5 Steps for Successful Enforcement5 Steps for Successful Enforcement5 Steps for Successful Enforcement © 2001 Keep Pennsylvania BeautifulPrinted on Recycled Paper using vegetable based inks.
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful105 West 4th Street
Greensburg, PA 15601-2981Toll free: (877) 772-3673
(724) 836-4121www.keeppabeautiful.org
www.gacofpa.org
For more information, contact:
All information is subject to change. Verified and accurate as of February 2013