Huntington Beach : Task Force to Continue War on Illegal Dumping

The city has formed a task force to fight the dumping of trash on vacant lots.

The war on illegal dumping, continuing a program started last year, includes increased law enforcement efforts as well as educational programs to alert citizens when and where waste material can be deposited, according to Bill Read, city public information officer.

The task force, headed by Richard Barnard, assistant to the city administrator, will comprise members of the city’s Police, Public Works, Fire and Development Services departments.

Police will be looking at both private and public properties for signs of illegal dumping and will be issuing citations. In addition, city field crews will be trained to recognize hazardous substances that might be illegally stored or dumped.

The first area targeted is bound by Huntington Central Park to the north, the Southern Pacific Railroad to the east, Seacliff Village Shopping Center to the south and Edwards Street to the west. The area has a high incidence of illegal dumping and many potential dump sites, Read said.

“From time to time, stuff accumulates on vacant lots,” Read said. “It’s not that Huntington Beach is loaded with litter. We just want to make doggone sure it doesn’t become that way.”

Read suggested that residents who need to discard large items, such as appliances or furniture, take them to Rainbow Disposal, 17121 Nichols St.