NEW ORLEANS — Preventing illegal dumping has long been a problem for the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana. Now city leaders are threatening to take the vehicle of anyone caught dumping tires and other material.
Councilman Oliver Thomas says he’s fed up with illegal dumpers driving through his district, which includes New Orleans East and the 9th Ward, and offloading rubbish.
“It seems like people think that they can get away with anything,” he said. “Hopefully they’ll stop or they’ll find some other place, but not here in Orleans Parish.”
City Council passed an ordinance, that says anyone found guilty of illegally dumping may have to forfeit their car, along with paying all towing and storage fees of up to $500, along with any other costs involved.
“If you don’t have a truck or something where you can tote the tires or tote the trash then you can’t dump it," said Thomas.
He says when he first got on council in the 90s, there was a concerted effort to clean up the city, but says efforts have been lacking.
“We made a dent in it then, but for some reason its back now. The city or the state, or politics backed off.”
While you still shouldn’t do it, you’re not going to lose your car if you throw a soda can out the window. Thomas stresses that only those dumping large amounts will be punished.
He came through with a stern warning for those with intentions of dumping tires or material anywhere across the city.
“You’re going to pay the price, you’re going to pay a fine and you’re going to lose your car but we’re not going to stop.”