Illegal trash dumping takes over recycling site

ELKHART (Scrap Monster): Illegal garbage dumping is a persistent problem at some Elkhart County residential recycling locations.

Residents that use the recycling bins on County Road 45 next to Ox Bow Park complain that the site has become a breeding ground for trash dumping. Even when someone clears away the garbage, days later mattresses, broken TVs and other over-sized electronics appear once again.

The rules are clear and there are signs posted everywhere: aluminum cans, certain plastics, cardboard and paper are allowed in designated bins. Styrofoam, electronics, ceramics or dishes, food waste, plastic grocery bags, yard waste, motor oil containers, hazardous waste containers, light bulbs, window glass and mirrors are all not allowed.

But Friday morning, there were at least six broken televisions, three mattresses and a box spring, and a toilet sprinkled in among a giant pile of garbage.

"It makes me sick," said Freida, who lives and works in the area, "this is ridiculous . We're doing a good job, we are people trying to recycle, doing a good thing, then they mess up good things like this."

Freida and others expressed concerns that the county could eventually decide to just shut this recycling location down if the problem persists.

"Each week a new pile," Freida says the illegal trash dumping has been going on since the bins were put in place.

Many other residents dropping off their residential recyclables asked NewsCenter 16 why there were no surveillance cameras or gates to lock the place up at night.

Elkhart County Landfill and Solid Waste District says its aware of the ongoing problem at the recycling site. A representative said they've mowed the weeds and grass to try to dissuade people from dumping on the sides, but it's been unsuccessful. The county considering putting up a gate so people cannot get into the recycling center at night.

Recycling Works, a private company contracted to take care of the bins handles what's put in the recycling containers, but not the actual center.

Courtesy: www.wndu.com