City officials in Camden, New Jersey, are continuing efforts to address illegal dumping throughout the city. On Tuesday, Commissioner Virginia Betteridge joined Chief Gabriel Rodriguez, Mayor Victor Carstarphen, and other city leaders to discuss the progress made since the installation of surveillance cameras at key locations last year.
The new camera system has led to a notable reduction in illegal dumping incidents. The city has also increased fines and impounded vehicles used for dumping, with support from federal and state partners and assistance from residents using the StopIt App to report offenses.
Camden spends over $4.5 million annually cleaning up illegal dumping, removing more than 32,000 tons of waste each year. City leaders highlighted that these efforts are intended to hold offenders accountable and improve public safety and health.
Commissioner Virgina Betteridge emphasized the importance of addressing this issue: “No one in this nation wants their kids and family members exposed to trash that belongs in a landfill, which underscores the issue that for years individuals and landlords have used the city as their own private landfill,” Betteridge said. “Seeing the stupidity of some contractors and landlords, that were either too lazy or looking to save money, dump their trash on our streets is always appalling, but now those same individuals will need to think twice before they act.”
During the event, Mayor Carstarphen announced that the first reward had been paid out through a program offering up to $1,000 for information leading to arrests and convictions related to illegal dumping. The ordinance supporting this initiative was adopted last year by city council after an incident adjudicated last summer.
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Camden is not a dumping ground, and this illegal activity will not be tolerated,” Carstarphen said. “In the past, we have spent millions to clean up dumped materials. This trash and debris should be disposed of properly in a landfill, not in our streets. The cameras have been incredibly helpful, and the reward for reporting dumpers is an added tool in the prosecution. We have a zero-tolerance policy in Camden for illegal dumping.”
Chief Gabriel Rodriguez shared his experience growing up around illegal dumping sites: “As a kid, growing up in McGuire Gardens, these piles of trash were ubiquitous and polluted our overall landscape. I would have to avoid this dumping on my bike and when public works would come and clean it up it was like another pile appeared the next day,” Rodriguez said. “Now I can say, without question, that we are finally changing that landscape and sending a clear signal to individuals that not only will you be accountable for your actions, but you will pay a steep price for them.”
City Council President Angel Fuentes commented on recent progress: “The combination of cameras and the reward program are helping us take our community back from these illegal dumpers,” Funtes said. “Our residents and stakeholders must remain vigilant. Please report anyone you see dumping debris. We are putting all those dumping on notice, we are watching and will pursue them in court.”
