NEWS RELEASE

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Gretchen Leslie
DCNR Press Secretary
(717) 772-9101

DCNR SECRETARY ADVISES RESIDENTS AGAINST ILLEGAL DUMPING OF YARD WASTE

HARRISBURG (October 31, 2003) — Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis today reminded Pennsylvanians preparing their yards for winter that disposing of yard waste such as leaves, clippings and tree limbs in state forests and parks is considered illegal dumping.

“It’s logical to assume these materials can do no harm if dumped in the woods, but more times than not, these piles of waste attract more trash,” Secretary DiBerardinis said. “Every one of the dump sites in Pennsylvania began as a single episode of illegal dumping.”

“Even though it’s natural, piles of yard debris are unattractive and can quickly ruin a visit to a scenic vista or trail head.”

DCNR manages the Forest Lands Beautification Program, an intensive, multi-year effort to clean existing dump sites on state forest and park lands and educate citizens on proper methods of disposal. About 300 illegal dump sites have been identified in Pennsylvania. To date, more than 200 sites have been cleaned through the efforts of contractors and more than 2,000 volunteers. These cleanups have resulted in the removal of almost 2,300 tons of household trash, more than 20,000 tires, 330 tons of scrap metal and 525 tons of concrete.

Penalties for illegal dumping can include fines, court costs and community service. In Michaux State Forest, Cumberland County, two men were caught on a video surveillance camera hidden at a known dumping area. In Delaware State Forest, Pike County, a perpetrator received the maximum penalty of $300 and was also assessed more than $1,000 in cleanup costs.

While 21 percent of Pennsylvanians’ household and other waste could be composted, only a small fraction of households use this method of disposal. Secretary DiBerardinis advises citizens to:

• Know local waste-hauling services and use them as a resource to dispose of yard waste properly.
• Contact borough, township or city officials to inquire about local composting centers.
• Follow county and/or municipal guidelines for the proper waste disposal.

For more information about backyard composting, visit www.dep.state.pa.us, DEP keyword “Compost.” For more information on the Forest Lands Beautification Program, call 1-877-7PA-FOREST (1-877-772-3673) or visit www.CleanPAForests.org.

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2003