Illegal dumping continues to be a major problem in Wayne County. The improper disposal of scrap, waste materials, auto bodies and parts, construction debris, and similar mass litter threatens not only our increasing efforts in environmental protection, but more importantly the health and safety of each one of our citizens. We need the public’s help in identifying those that indiscriminately damage our shared environment and to become educated consumers by identifying and properly disposing of their own waste products at home.

County Executive Ed McNamara, Prosecuting Attorney John O’Hair, and Department of Environment Director Jim Murray are pleased to announce a collaborative effort to combat illegal dumping in Wayne County. They have established a reward program for citizens who provide information on illegal dumping activities. In addition, Wayne County is implementing a household hazardous waste education initiative to assist citizens in the identification and proper disposal of household hazardous waste products. Citizens who follow these steps can help make a positive impact on our community’s environment:

1. Be Aware

Be on the lookout for any suspicious waste disposal activities. Look for people dumping liquids down storm sewers, in drains or waterways. Look for anyone dumping solid waste, scrap tires, barrels or other waste materials in vacant lots, unused industrial areas or roadsides. Write down everything that you see. Important information includes physical description of the suspect(s), license plate number, precise location of the activity, and the typed of materials being dumped.

2. Call 911

Contact your local enforcement agency immediately when you see suspicious dumping activity. Be prepared to provide an accurate, concise description of the situation.

3. Call the Wayne County Environmental Reward TIP Line 1-888-223-2363

The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office has agreed to make available $10,000 from the Environmental Trust Fund to be used in the Environmental Reward Program. This program will offer up to $500 for information which leads to the conviction of persons who illegally dump in Wayne County. This will supplement an existing reward established by the Wayne County Commission in March which also allows for a reward of up to $500 for persons convicted of dumping illegally in County-owned drain and property.

Each environmental tipster will receive appropriate follow-up to their information. Upon apprehension and conviction of the dumper, a reward and commendation will be issued to the citizen.

4. Become a "Wise Disposer" of Household Hazardous Waste

We can each do our part to help the environment by learning what items around our home are considered hazardous and what techniques can be used to dispose of them properly. Wayne County has produced a handy guide for citizens to use at their homes and a hotline is also available (313) 326-3936 for questions and further information. Together we can protect the integrity of our air, land and water.

For additional information about the Rouge River,

call the Rouge River Information Line at 1-888-223-2363.

Please address all comments and suggestions about the contents of this Web page to rougeweb@co.wayne.mi.us.

The Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project is funded, in part, by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grants #XP995743-01, -02, -03, -04, -05, -06, -08 and C-264000-01.