City officials discuss illegal dumping problem in Albany

ALBANY, Ga. – Illegal dumping is once again rearing its ugly head across the city with a site like this one in east Albany being the third one reported since Monday.

Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful, director Juwana Washington says that the problem is persistent in Albany, beyond just the east side.

“…It’s city-wide. As a matter of fact, I just left an illegal dumping site in west Albany. So, it’s not just a problem that’s on one side of town or the other. It is all over,” said Juwana Washington, director, Keep-Albany Dougherty Beautiful.

Ward 1 City Commissioner Jon Howard sent us pictures of another site in east Albany from earlier in the week…

Considering that these dumpsites often contain discarded used items like mattresses and clothes, it’s proving to be a breeding ground for more unpleasant things.

“…We complain that we have nothing to do, we have no business things of that nature. But, let’s face reality: if you continue to have dumps in the heart of the city, no businessperson in their right mind is going to relocate to an area that they don’t feel safe, and it’s unhealthy…” said Commissioner Jon Howard, Ward 1 Commissioner, City of Albany.

“When we get piles like this, we get vermin, and other animals, and dogs that may come down, spreading all sorts of disease. So, it’s not environmentally sound of people to dispose of their trash anywhere. That is why we have proper receptacles for you to place your trash in…” said Washington.

And, with a dump site like this practically blowing garbage and bits of broken glass into people’s backyards, it’s creating a problem that could further prevent any plans for revitalization.

But, that isn’t going to stop Commissioner Howard.

“…It’s difficult, but at the same time, as a commissioner, I’m not gong to give up. But what I’m trying to do is I’m trying to re-educate the community that you may stay in east Albany, but take pride in your area. Be safe, be aware of what’s going on,” said Commissioner Howard.

For now though, the likes of Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful are imploring residents to take the time and make sure that larger pieces of garbage are properly disposed of.

Washington tells us that these dumping sites have been appearing more often around the first and tenth of each month as that is more often than not when tenants rent agreements have ended.

Brian Roche reporting.

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