Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue introduced hefty new fines for dumping trash in metropolis parks. The high quality for a first-time offense will improve from $1,000 to $5,000 beginning March 31, 2025.
Photograph Emily Swanson
Metropolis leaders introduced considerably elevated fines for unlawful trash dumping in parks throughout a March 31 press convention at Richman (Echo) Park within the Bronx. Efficient instantly, the high quality for a primary offense jumps sharply from $1,000 to $5,000, with repeat offenders dealing with a further $10,000 penalty if caught inside a yr.
In keeping with the Parks Division, the upper penalties intention to align park dumping fines extra carefully with the Division of Sanitation’s present $4,000 fines for road dumping, deterring unlawful dumping and serving to preserve cleaner public areas citywide.
Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue kicked off the press convention amid a backdrop of piles of scrap wooden, a tire, an outdated mattress, plastic buckets and luggage of junk — gadgets collected simply that day from Richman (Echo) and different close by Bronx parks.
Elected officers have been dismayed by the piles of trash collected by Bronx Parks staff in simply at some point.Photograph Emily Swanson
Donoghue referred to as trash dumping a “persistent problem” that disproportionately impacts the Bronx. In FY 2024, almost 32,000 illegally dumped luggage of trash have been faraway from Bronx parks, and the borough accounted for 70% of all summonses issued by the Parks Division since 2023.
The issue goes far past frequent littering. Final yr alone, Parks staff within the Bronx disposed of 70 fridges, 1,500 luggage of development particles, 650 tires and even seven bathtubs, Donoghue mentioned.
These figures, Donoghue mentioned, ought to give folks “an idea of what our Bronx team is experiencing on a daily basis.”
Not solely is dumping ugly, she famous, however it additionally contributes to rodent and pest issues and reduces the standard of life for New Yorkers.
A poster displaying among the gadgets discarded in Bronx parks, together with a water heater, a pile of tires and a severely broken automobile.Photograph Emily Swanson
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, who additionally spoke on the press convention, mentioned that she is seeking to set up cameras at numerous Bronx parks to catch dumpers within the act. She goals to get $500,000 in funds through the FY 2026 metropolis funds to pay for them.
“Do not dump in the Bronx. We will come after you, and we will fine you,” she mentioned.
Council Member Oswald Feliz mentioned he’ll allocate $100,000 for parks cameras and mentioned the strategy has confirmed efficient on close by Park Avenue, the place he beforehand funded cameras to catch and deter road dumping.
“These garbage dumping cameras work,” mentioned Feliz.
Along with the elevated penalties and safety cameras, Parks is including “second shift” staff by mid-April to assist present protection within the evenings and weekends in 121 of town’s busiest parks.
Donoghue inspired New Yorkers who witness unlawful dumping to name 311 or alert a Parks worker. Go to the DSNY web site for info on free pickup of enormous gadgets and learn how to get rid of particular, doubtlessly hazardous gadgets corresponding to electronics and tires.
