MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Myrtle Beach is cracking down on those who illegally dump their trash by adding cameras around the city to catch people who break the law.
State law makes it illegal to leave trash on the side of roads and on sidewalks, however, the city and Myrtle Beach Police say it is almost impossible to catch people who break this law.
“Unless somebody sees the dumping and reports say a license plate number or a car description, or we get information out of what is dumped- somebody may leave an envelope with a utility bill in there- it is kind of a hard thing to say, after the fact, that pile of trash belongs to that person,” Mark Kruea, Myrtle Beach City spokesperson said.
The city says adding additional cameras made just for patrolling trash dumping will help catch people who leave trash, especially large items like old furniture, out on the side of the road.
“We’re taking advantage of technology. We can use the camera system to police the community, but it also frees up our officers for other activities,” Kruea said.
The punishments for breaking the state litter laws could cost $465 in fines and/or 30 days in jail, however, Kruea says the illegal dumper is not the only one who suffers from the crime.
“When there is illegal trash, illegal dumping, the city has to spend its resources, so virtually everybody pays to pick up after one person who mishandles their own trash,” Kruea said.
Kruea says adding the additional cameras to their 800 that they already have installed around Myrtle Beach will hopefully save everyone time and money.
“We want folks to know that the camera system is there. That, in itself, is a deterrent,” Kruea said. “If you know that, ‘Gosh, I’m going to be watched while I do this illegal activity,’ you will be less inclined to do that illegal activity.”
