Milwaukee officials may seek legal action against those illegally dumping trash

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The City of Milwaukee is cracking down on those who illegally dump their trash in vacant lots or private properties.

Those caught illegally dumping their waste could face a $5,000 citation.

“Oh yeah. There’s a lot of that going on around here,” said Coley Jackson, a resident near 20th and Concordia.

Jackson has spent 60 years keeping his home clean, but instead of clean streets, these days, his neighborhood is filled with trash.

“Tires, bedroom furniture, dresser drawers, bed springs, toys, garbage. Anything you can just think about,” said Jackson. “I bet you the people dumping, don’t dump where they live.”

That's why city officials, including Mayor Cavalier Johnson, say enough is enough.

“These people who are out there dumping illegally, they have no regard. They are totally disrespecting our neighborhoods, totally disrespecting people who live in those neighborhoods, and I think it’s totally inappropriate,” said Johnson.

With hidden cameras placed in certain areas, those caught illegally dumping will now face an increased fine. Johnson says the city may seek legal action against repeat offenders.

“It’s really going to sting like hell when you get a $5,000 citation,” said Johnson. “It is an escalation, but it’s a necessary one.”

Jackson says he hopes the risk of a higher citation will help his neighborhood stay clean.

“That’s fine with me. They shouldn’t be doing it,” said Jackson.

Residents who see illegal dumping happen in their areas are encouraged to report it to city officials and may receive up to a $1,000 reward.