Savannah makes progress to curb illegal dumping

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Savannah’s efforts to curb illegal dumping are underway, and residents are noticing the cleanups.

The impact is significant, but short term. Residents say that even when the city or county picks up trash, it reappears the next day, despite signs posted around the city warning against illegal dumping.

The city’s sanitation crew has been cleaning up areas like a spot off Wheaton Street.

“I mean previously there was a lot of trash kind of dumped all throughout this area,” said John Dedic, a cleanup organizer.

Junk haulers say problem involves individuals and businesses

But sanitation has its work cut out, as illegal dumping is becoming a problem even for professionals.

Jason Moore owns Dumpster Dummies, a junk hauling business.

“I don’t know what this box is from 1973 that I found in my grandad’s shed. I’m that guy, I’m the one that gets rid of it,” said Moore.

He is one of many junk haulers in the county. He says people either need to remove their stuff responsibly or hire somebody to do it.

“I am the easy button, but if you don’t want to press the easy button there are rules to the game,” said Moore.

Fellow junk hauler Cat Gavrilas says it is not just individuals. Both haulers say businesses play a part, with Gavrilas saying some are other haulers cutting corners.

“Joe schmo can go in there and say ‘hey I can do it for half that cost’ and he gets it all done and ends up here,” said Gavrilas.

City council plans workshop to address dumping

In a recent city council meeting, members voted to clear up one of the biggest piles of junk, referred to as “the great Savannah tire patch.” They are setting up a workshop to address the problem, with their eyes set on increasing punishments.

“We have to catch a few, and when we make examples out of you, they’ll stop,” said Mayor Van Johnson.

There has not been a solidified date for a workshop, but Savannah’s sanitation is already picking up around the city. Now it is about keeping those spots clean.