1. City of Richmond Abatement Illegal Dumping Program
Infrastructure Maintenance & Operations
City of Richmond Abatement Illegal Dumping Program
Tim Higares, Director
Infrastructure Maintenance and Operations

2. BROKEN WINDOW THEORY
Based on an experiment conducted by the aforementioned social scientist concluded:
Neglected property allowed to remain in poor condition is a
signal to the neighborhood that no one cares.
The relationship between crime and neighborhood
deterioration is a leading justification for comprehensive
code enforcement programs.
In the case of property maintenance violations and public
nuisance violations like graffiti, abandoned buildings, and
inoperable vehicles it is established that prompt eradication
reduces re-occurrence.
“Crime and disorder are inextricably linked with the
physical environment at the community level.”
James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling

3. Quick Facts Population 103,701 Land Area 33.7 square miles
32 miles of shoreline

4. 2015 Statistics
Removed 1,522 tons of illegally dumped trash from 17,176 locations
Collected 2,728 illegally dumped mattresses
Removed 1,829 illegally dumped tires

5. IMPACT OF ILLEGAL DUMPING
The epidemic of illegal dumping impacts public health, safety, property values and the quality of life in our communities. Materials dumped range from construction, demolition, yard and household waste, abandoned vehicles, auto parts, tires, appliances and furniture, to more serious medical and hazardous waste.

6. IMPACT OF ILLEGAL DUMPING
The problem overwhelms the resources of law enforcement, code enforcement and public health agencies in many California communities. The lack of adequate funding for education and enforcement and the need for more stringent penalties are important factors in the continued growth of illegal dumping. Illegal dumping is not a victimless crime. However, too often violators face minimal consequences for illegal dumping offences.

7. The Public Safety Dangers of Illegal Dumping
Health Risks – Children playing near dump sites are exposed to sharp items and dangerous chemicals.
Vermin – Rotting trash attracts rodents and insects. Discarded waste tires are an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes (particularly problematic with the spread of the West Nile Virus).
Water Quality – Runoff from illegal waste sites may contain chemicals that contaminate wells and other sources of drinking water.
“Broken Window Crime” – Illegal dumping is the type of crime described by researchers James O. Wilson and George L. Kelling in the March 1982 Atlantic Monthly article “Broken Windows.” Wilson and Kelling reported that when concentrated efforts to improve the enforcement of minor laws such as illegal dumping laws are instituted, there is a corresponding reduction in all crime.

8. Strategies for Prevention
Sufficient legal alternatives and convenient dump sites
Education on the hazards and costs of illegal dumping/community outreach
Enforcing local laws and ordinances

9. Strategies for Prevention
Enforcement includes recognition of other “quality of life” or code enforcement issues that contribute to illegal dumping:
Illegal street vending
Salvage and auto dismantling operations
Waste tire operations
Homeless encampments
Illegal waste haulers
Illegal transfer sites

10. Community Outreach/Education
Another component of our approach is to make a special effort to involve the community. We meet with local representatives and attend neighborhood council meetings to educate the community about the problems associated with illegal dumping. Staff also informs the community about special bulky item pick ups and neighborhood clean-ups.

11. OUR TEAM

12. CHALLENGES

13. 22 Alleyways

14. Alleyways

15. Vehicles/Boats

16. Creeks/culverts

17. Creeks/CULVERTS

18. HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS
Abate Approx. 4/month

19. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (PAINT/OIL)

20. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (PAINT/OIL)
Average of 50 Gallons per week

21. Public RIGHT OF WAY

22. PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY

23. MATTRESSES

24. TIRES

25. Abatement is a “One-Stop-Shop”
Illegal dumping abatement and enforcement
Weed abatement and enforcement
Graffiti abatement and enforcement
City wide boarding of vacant/foreclosed properties
Demolition of Unsafe Structures

26. Efficient coordination for all stakeholders
Enhanced enforcement opportunities
“Buy In” from the District Attorney and the Police Department
Successful prosecution of illegal dumpers
Restitution – Those caught and successfully prosecuted are forced to pick up trash and remove graffiti throughout the city.

27. Flash Cam

28. QUESTIONS? TIM HIGARES, (510) 620-6508 DIRECTOR
HUGO MENDOZA, (510)
ABATEMENT SUPERVISOR