SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane City Council has taken action to address illegal dumping by voting unanimously to increase penalties for those violating litter and dumping laws.
The decision aims to clean up the streets of Spokane. Under the new ordinance, individuals could face fines ranging from $50 to a gross misdemeanor charge, depending on the severity of the crime.
Community members have expressed concerns about the source of the dumped garbage. Some believe it comes from individuals who may not be able to pay the fines. One community member said, “The homeless do not have a home like we have where we can dump our personal belongings into closets or garages.”
Council Members Lili Navarrette and Paul Dillon believe the issue extends beyond the homeless community. Navarrette stated, “So it’s all over dumps or trash bags being left on side roads or dusty roads, but again, nothing to do with homelessness.” Dillon added, “It’s definitely bigger than issues related to our homeless population.”
Council Member Jonathan Bingle, however, sees a connection between illegal dumping and the city’s homeless crisis. “So you can tell me it doesn’t pertain to homelessness. It’s actually inaccurate and we have the data from the city crews who are cleaning up that garbage every day to say it does,” Bingle said.
The Spokane Municipal Code prohibits disposing of litter in public places, parks, or waters within city limits unless in accordance with solid waste management regulations. It also forbids depositing litter on private property without the owner’s permission.
Some community members suggest finding solutions to help the homeless community might be more effective. One member said, “The homeless have no other place to put it so let’s, instead of punishing them, let’s find a place for them to put their stuff at so they don’t leave it on the streets.”
During the meeting, it was noted that Spokane averages around 20 tons of illegal dumping each month. City Council members view the new ordinance as a positive step forward.
