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Philadelphia Unveils Illegal Dumping Task Force With $5,000-Per-Item Fines

Officials cite $3.7 million in fines this year as proof of enforcement capacity.

Overview

  • The 40-officer unit starts Nov. 3 with authority to cite offenders caught in action or on camera.
  • Members can levy civil penalties up to $5,000 per item, with $2,000 without a vehicle and $5,000 with a vehicle plus restitution.
  • Monitoring will draw on a city network of more than 400 surveillance cameras at dumping hotspots, with police handling severe cases.
  • The task force brings together park rangers, sanitation staff, police partners and the Parking Authority to pursue investigations and civil prosecution.
  • Officials report 17 cases filed this year and more than $3.7 million collected in fines as they expand enforcement.