Department of Public Works - Sanitation Enforcement

Sanitation Enforcement was established in 1997 to crack down on violations of Baltimore's sanitation laws.

Citations are issued by Sanitation Enforcement Officers. Citations can be issued to property and business owners, tenants and anyone else who violates Baltimore's sanitation laws. Citations are also issued by special enforcement officers from the departments of Health, Housing and Community Development (HCD), Police and Fire.

Trashing Baltimore is a Crime.

What to do if you receive a Citation

Never ignore a citation. It is a legal document and must be answered in one of two ways:

     1. Pay the penalty amount indicated on the citation; or
     2. Appear in person at the Environmental Control Board.

If you choose to appear in person, your hearing may take several minutes or several hours, depending on the hearing docket.

Failure to answer the notice of violation in one of the said two ways before the due date indicated on the citation may subject you to significantly higher penalties.

Violations & Fine Amounts

Fines can range from $25 to $500. Examples include having high grass and weeds, putting trash out on the wrong day, having no trash cans, littering, having abandoned vehicles and leaving dog feces on your property.

Environmental Control Board

The Environmental Control Board (ECB) was created by City of Baltimore Ordinance 98-326, signed into law on June 22, 1998. The ordinance specifies the violations for which the citations may be issued and the amount of the pre-payable fine. The citations are generally related to the enforcement of certain sanitation, environmental health and safety laws.

The ECB has 13 members:

  • 5 are from City agencies: Public Works, HCD, Health, Police and Fire;
  • 5 are environmental experts who make up the board's scientific panel;
  • 2 are from the general public; and
  • 1 is a member of the Baltimore City Council.

The ECB holds hearings for all environmental violations. The ECB allows all cited parties to give statements regarding their guilt or innocence of the possible violation. The ECB hearing officers will then issue a judgment, based on Baltimore City's Environmental Codes, either to sustain the violation, pay the fine or dismiss.

STOP ILLEGAL DUMPING

What is Illegal Dumping?

Illegal dumping is disposal of waste in a prohibited area. It is also referred to as "open dumping," "fly dumping" and "midnight dumping" because materials are often dumped in open areas from vehicles along roadsides and late at night. These materials typically include:

  • Construction and demolition waste such as drywall, roofing shingles, lumber, bricks, concrete and siding.
  • Abandoned automobiles, auto parts and scrap tires.
  • Appliances or "white goods."
  • Furniture.
  • Yard waste.
  • Household trash.
  • Medical waste.

If not addressed, illegal dumps often attract more waste including hazardous materials.

Who Illegally Dumps Waste?

It is difficult to profile a "typical" illegal dumper. However, offenders can include:

  • Construction, demolition, remodeling, roofing or land§ Waste management companies or general hauling contractors.
  • Operators of transfer stations or junkyards.
  • Automobile repair or tire shops.
  • Scrap collectors.
  • Local residents and "do-it-yourselfers."

Why is Illegal Dumping a Problem?

Health Risks:
Dump sites attract rodents, insects and disease-carrying mosquitoes.

Fire Hazards:
Dump sites have caught fire due to spontaneous combustion or, more commonly, by arson.

Flooding:
Illegal dumping can obstruct proper drainage of run-off when wastes block ravines, creeks, culverts and drainage basins.

Negative Impact on Plants and Wildlife:
Open burning at dump sites can cause forest fires and severe erosion as fires burn away trees and undergrowth.

Contaminate Wells and Surface Water:
Run-off from dump sites that contain chemicals can contaminate sources of drinking water.

Decrease in Property Values:
Dump sites serve as magnets for additional dumping and other criminal activities resulting in a less livable environment.

Cost of Cleanup:
The costs of continuous clearing of illegally dumped waste materials are significant. Some urban areas have reported spending several million dollars per year on cleanup, hauling and disposal activities associated with illegal sites.

Get Involved!

 

Community awareness is important in preventing illegal dumping.
Here are some ways to FIGHT BACK!

  • Get description of vehicle and person(s), time of day and license tags.
  • If you see people dumping trash illegally, call 911. To report the results of illegal dumping, call 311.
  • Do not take action yourself!
  • Never approach an illegal dumper in the act.
  • Do not go near any large drums or liquids that have been dumped.
  • Educate your neighbors on what can be done to prevent illegal dumping.
  • Organize neighborhood cleanups.
Sun. July 6, 2008