Who We Are

Since 1992, the Nail-A-Dumper Hotline has been an effective crime-detection component of the Franklin County Anti-Dumping and Littering Project. The Anti-Dumping and Littering Project, a multi-agency environmental enforcement program, works to prevent the illegal disposal of waste within Franklin County.  When illegal disposal does occur, the Project members investigate the crime and prosecute the offender.  Participating agencies include the Franklin County Board of Health, Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Franklin County Sheriff's Office and Columbus Refuse Collection Division.  The Project is funded by the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio.

The Problem

Littering and the illegal dumping of garbage and tires is a growing problem that presents serious environmental and public health concerns for the residents of Franklin County.

Trash and tire piles present the ideal living and breeding environment for rats, mice and other rodents, ticks, flies and mosquitoes that, in many cases, transmit disease.  In addition, illegally dumped material presents the risk of physical injury resulting from contact with broken glass, sharp metal, and biological and chemical waste.

Many materials that are illegally dumped contain toxic or hazardous substances that can threaten surface or groundwater supplies.  Trash--and especially tires--that catch on fire cause air pollution that can harm the health of persons exposed to the fumes, and can also damage the environment.  Decaying garbage and yard waste dumped in residential areas create unpleasant odors and can contribute to the impression that the entire neighborhood is in decline, thus negatively impacting property values.  

Open dumps are found along secondary roads, utility rights-of-way, watercourses, on abandoned lots, in open fields, near construction sites, and along railroad tracks.  Often the property owner is unaware that the dumping is occurring.  However, the property owner is ultimately responsible for the proper disposal of any solid waste deposited on his/her property.