JACKSON – Members of the Jackson Township Council discussed the problem of individuals illegally dumping garbage in the community when a resident brought the matter to their attention and said they plan to continue the discussion in the future.
On April 10, resident Jeff Riker, who owns a garbage collection company, addressed the council and said, “I am here to address, again, the illegal dumping problem we have in Jackson. It is not without the great efforts of code enforcement, but it is a persistent problem.”
Riker said he has been watching people who transport garbage without having a license to conduct that type of business.
“In our town right now, I have been following a group of people who do house cleanups. They are doing it with a large van they rent by the month. You cannot collect garbage (like that) … I cannot come to your house without a license and take garbage from you,” he said.
Riker told municipal officials he believes certain individuals are cleaning out foreclosed homes and are being paid by banks that own the homes.
“I am tracking these guys and in the past (six weeks) it has been six jobs, and they are putting garbage into the truck. Some of it I have been able to track … it goes to a transfer station, it is getting there illegally, (and) I do not know where the rest of it is,” he said.
Riker said the “system is plagued” with people who pick up garbage. He said Jackson officials must impose heavy financial penalties on individuals who break the law.
Council President Ken Bressi asked Township Attorney Jean Cipriani about the legality of fines.
Cipriani referred to a state law regarding penalties for violations of municipal ordinances, including the unlawful disposal of solid waste, citing fines of up to $10,000 that may be levied against individuals found guilty of breaking the law.
Council Vice President Robert Nixon said residents play a role in advising local officials about instances of suspected illegal dumping.
Councilman Barry Calogero said, “If we are going to do this, let’s do it right the first time. Put some teeth behind it and (apply) the maximum penalty.”
