Illegal dumping becoming a big problem in the Springs

Illegal dumping is becoming a big problem in Colorado Springs, according to code enforcement officials.

Tom Wasinger, code enforcement administrator, said his department gets multiple complaints a month.

“Vacant lots are being dumped on, tires are being dumped along alleyways and also behind vacant properties,” he said.

Katie Hagen knows the problem well. She said people regularly dump furniture at a right of way near her home.

“Here was a sleeper sofa that was actually partially out on the street, and then there was couches mismashed all the way back through here,” she said. “It just kind of looks like a dump.”

When things are dumped on a private property, it’s the property owner’s responsibility to get rid of it, Wasinger said. While they handle each case individually, in most cases, there is a 10-day deadline. If it’s not met, code enforcement takes care of the cleanup, and the owner is charged for the cleanup and an additional fee.

“Unfortunately code enforcement has to come in and order that property owner do the cleanup,” he said. “We’ll work with them. We understand that it’s difficult for them because this is something they didn’t expect.”

Those caught dumping face up to a $500 fine and 90 days in jail. To report illegal dumping, file a complaint here.