ABOUT
LET'S TALK TRASH - ILLEGAL DUMPING PARTNERSHIP
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THE ILLEGAL DUMPING PARTNERSHIP (IDP) IS A MULTI-AGENCY TASK FORCE FOUNDED TO HELP COMBAT ILLEGAL DUMPING THROUGHOUT BERNALILLO COUNTY.
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Our Mission:
To minimize illegal dumping by: tracking pollution & benchmarking progress, engaging and educating the community, changing behaviors, and utilizing resources.
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Our Vision:
A clean, safe healthy environment and prosperous community free of liter, polluting debris, and harmful materials.
WHAT IS ILLEGAL DUMPING?
Illegal dumping is abandoned material that is placed, deposited, dumped or accumulated in any public or private open space or street, public right of way or easement, gutter or sidewalk.
THE ILLEGAL DUMPING PROGRAM
In an effort to combat and reduce illegal dumping, the Illegal Dumping Partnership joined forces to launch a progressive program that tests various prevention, enforcement and clean up strategies.
The partners of the Illegal Dumping Partnership clean up more than 1,250 tons of junk and rubbish from public spaces on an annual basis. Materials typically include construction and demolition waste, abandoned automobiles, auto parts and scrap tires, appliances, furniture, yard waste and household trash.
Sites used for illegal dumping may vary but may include abandoned industrial, residential or commercial buildings, vacant lots on public or private property and infrequently used alleys or roadways. Because of their accessibility and poor lighting, areas along rural roads and railways are particularly vulnerable. If not addressed, illegal dumps often attract more waste, potentially including hazardous wastes such as asbestos, household chemicals and paints, automotive fluid and commercial or industrial wastes.
Health & Environmental Risks
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Direct contact exposure to sharp objects, medical wastes, toxic substances, and fire (especially a risk for children playing in the areas)
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Habitat/breeding ground for potential disease causing vectors
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Indirect exposure to toxic chemicals/hazardous waste
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Drinking water quality issues related to non-point pollution (especially areas near private wells)
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Surface water contamination in arroyos, ditches and the Rio Grande
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Air pollution from pollutants carried by smoke from open burning (tires)
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Harmful impact on native wildlife and aquatic habitat
Aesthetic Costs
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Offensive sights and smells
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Negative perceptions of community values of residents
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Negative perceptions of capital investments value by potential new businesses
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
The Illegal Dumping Partnership is focused on the educational outreach to our community in an effort to bring awareness of the negative consequences of illegal dumping that occurs throughout the Bernalillo County Region. The IDP adapted the Dona Ana County's Cleanup With Carlos literature for the Bernalillo County region for distribution to our community centers and local events as a part of our efforts. Albuquerque Public Schools facilitated the adaptation of the books for the region as well as the printing of these materials. All IDP member governments including the City of Albuquerque, and Bernalillo County will be distributing these booklets as part of a comprehensive outreach to all residents including students.
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You can view, download and print the materials below. To get copies of the books, email Bernalillo County Solid Waste Education Program Coordinator Michelle Luna at mluna@bernco.gov.
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