Turning the Tide on Illegal Dumping

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the longstanding issue of illegal dumping in the area, a new community dumpster program has not only curbed the problem but also improved the overall quality of life for residents. Located at 22795 Barton Road, the initiative has been in operation since June, running for about six months, and its results are nothing short of impressive. Grand Terrace City Manager, Konrad Bolowich spoke with us about its successful implementation on this innovative program. "We had a horrible problem with illegal dumping," Bolowich explained, "Cul-de-sacs, dead-end streets off the side of the hillsides - we're spending an inordinate amount of time picking up trash, and the quality-of-life issues impacting the neighborhoods were just bad." The situation was dire, with the community struggling to combat illegal dumping effectively. To address the issue, the City Hall team decided to introduce a community dumpster. "We thought, well, maybe if we had a place for people to dump, they wouldn't illegally dump," Bolowich said. The idea was simple yet effective - providing a centralized location for waste disposal, making it easier for residents to get rid of unwanted items. The roll-off dumpster, situated at City Hall, has been a game-changer. "It gets emptied every day, and it's almost always full," Bolowich noted. The impact on the community has been significant. Illegal dumping has drastically reduced, and public works teams no longer have to spend their time picking up trash. "We've cut out the middleman," Bolowich proudly stated. One concern was that the dumpster would be filled with hazardous waste, but residents have proven to be remarkably responsible. "The residents have been very, very respectful, treating it for what it's for," Bolowich shared. The absence of hazardous waste demonstrates that the community is taking advantage of the dumpster as a valuable resource. It was pointed out that a few items have been left outside the dumpster from time to time, but Bolowich emphasized the importance of utilizing the dumpster properly. Items left outside the dumpster can lead to problems when others try to throw them in the following morning. The community dumpster program has been so successful that it will continue until a problem arises. Bolowich stated, "When it becomes more trouble than it's worth, then we'll go back to picking up the stuff at the end of the cul-de-sac." For now, however, the program has proven to be a triumph, improving the community's cleanliness and overall quality of life. Bolowich reiterated the importance of responsible waste disposal, urging residents to take unwanted, slightly used, fair condition items to local charities like Salvation Army or Goodwill if they wish to donate or give them away. Abandoning items at the dumpster's location, and not actually inside the dumpster, creates unnecessary challenges. In summary, the community dumpster program at 22795 Barton Road has made a significant impact in combating illegal dumping and improving the neighborhood's environment. Residents have embraced the initiative with responsibility and enthusiasm, making it a resounding success for the community.