City of West Palm Beach Department of Public Works Employees Remove Illegally Discarded Tires

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA (July 13, 2021) – After recently discovering an illegal dump site on 27^th Street, just west of Electronics Way, the City of West Palm Beach has removed more than 41 tons of waste and restored the area to its previous, cleaner condition.

On Saturday, July 10, 2021, the Department of Public Works and the Department of Public Utilities removed 90 discarded tires, 1 abandoned trailer, trash, construction and demolition waste, and appliances. The West Palm Beach Police Department is investigating to identify the suspect(s) responsible.

The cleanup and investigation are a part of Operation Clean Streets, an initiative that aims to curb illegal dumping in neighborhoods through education, enforcement and prevention. The effort is designed to improve the overall quality of life of residents, promote public safety in our neighborhoods, and attract economic investment to our city. The initiative is in line with Mayor James’ signature Neighborhoods First initiative, which fosters a culture focusing on neighborhood collaboration and partnerships.

Operation Clean Streets targets environmental hazards and waste that have been illegally disposed. These items may include landscaping and construction debris, household materials (sofas, mattresses and old furniture), and abandoned vehicles. Materials are often dumped from vehicles and deposited in front of homes or vacant lots, along roadsides, and late at night.

“Illegal dumping negatively impacts residents’ quality of life and will not be tolerated in our city,” said Mayor James. “Through cleanup efforts such as this, we are working to improve the overall quality of life of residents, promote public safety in our neighborhoods and attract economic investment to our city. Violators, if caught, will be prosecuted.”

The city has installed 24 surveillance cameras used to help identify and arrest illegal dumping suspects. Tipsters are encouraged to report illegal dumping and may be eligible to receive a reward of up to $500 for information leading to an arrest.

To report illegal dumping that has already occurred in the City of West Palm Beach:

• ONLINE: Visit the 'Clean Streets' Ticketing Portal, which is operated by the Department of Public Works, and submit an illegal dumping ticket.

• BY PHONE: Call the City’s Department of Public Works, day or night, at (561) 822-2075 or (561) 822-2222.

To report illegal dumping in progress:

• BY PHONE: Call 9-1-1. Tipsters who provide police a photo/video of the suspect’s vehicle, its tag, and information about the suspect may be eligible for a reward up to $500. The tipster must provide their name and phone number to claim the reward. (This information will be kept confidential.)

In making a report, keep in mind these tips:

• Do not confront the possible perpetrators,
• Identify the dumping location, including the cross street,
• Make note of the type of materials that were dumped, and
• Try to identify the persons or company involved with the dumping.

For information on how to properly dispose of waste and debris, please contact the City’s Department of Public Works Sanitation Division at (561) 822-2075 (TTY: 800-955-8771) or visit: https://www.wpb.org/government/public-works/sanitation.