Volume of trash in outdoors areas concerns DNR

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News Releases
Volume of trash in outdoors areas concerns DNR
(Released September 9, 2010)


An increased instance of household garbage being dumped in Minnesota’s great outdoors concerns the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). State conservation officers’ report that the activity ranges from Moorhead to Grand Rapids, and lots of places in between.

In many instances the culprits are easy to find. Just ask Conservation Officer (CO) Angela Graham of Hutchinson.

“I came upon a pile of garbage that was dumped at a public lake access, and while looking through the garbage I found numerous items with the violators name on them,” Graham said. The violator was issued a citation and urged to find a legal place to properly dispose of their garbage.

Some of the items discarded included bottles and cans, building supplies, furniture, and household appliances. Conservation officers have also found credit card receipts, driver’s licenses, and other personally identifiable items.

Public boating accesses, wildlife management areas, state forests, state trails; just about any place that appears “convenient” seems to be a repository for garbage. Sometimes it’s deposited along roadways.

“I recently observed occupants of a vehicle throwing garbage out the window as they traveled down the road,” said CO Gary Nordseth of Worthington. He stopped the vehicle and issued a citation.

Litter is a petty misdemeanor criminal charge with a fine of up to $300.

Conservation officers also have solid waste civil citation authority. These civil citations are “by the pound” or “by the cubic foot” penalties, and since they are not criminal charges, they don’t require proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The person suspected of littering must pay the penalty and clean up the mess.

The DNR has the following tips to keep the outdoors clean:

Set an example for others, especially children, by not littering.
Litter is a costly problem that we all end up paying for to keep our roadways, parks, and waterways clean. The act of littering not only costs money, but it also causes harm to the environment in many ways.
Secure trash container covers to prevent wind or animals from spreading litter.
Cover and secure any vehicle, truck, or trailer carrying refuse.
When visiting any recreation areas make sure to leave the area clean for the next person to enjoy.