Despite attempts to curtail it, illegal dumping continues in the Crescenta Valley.

By Mary O’KEEFE

A few weeks ago CVW wrote about illegal dumping of big items in local neighborhoods; however, the problem persists and Crescenta Valley Town Council President Harry Leon wants to let the public know how they can call for help, and who will be held responsible for the dumping.

“For the last two years the CV Town Council has been asking people to call Burrtec Waste Services or the County to pick up [items] instead of leaving them in front of a house,” Leon said.

He has advised residents several times in his monthly articles in CVW, as well as on social media and during town council meetings, of the problem. Recently though the dumping resulted in a lawsuit filed by a company whose workers got sick from picking up the items that were left for a long time in front of a house.

In the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, including La Crescenta, there is a trash responsibility ordinance that requires residents to dispose of their trash on a weekly basis. Whether a person is a renter or homeowner, that person is responsible for any trash that is in front of their home, even if that trash is not something they put there.

“The ordinance states that the person at the home is required to have garbage/items picked up,” Leon explained.

The large items that have been found around the area, including North Glendale, have become a danger not just due to their size and unsanitary conditions, but also because many items are dumped on sidewalks.

“Because of COVID-19 there are a lot more people out walking. People can get injured as a result of the bulk materials,” said Leon adding that in some areas people have to step into the street to avoid the items, which presents another danger.

“This is one of those issues that ebbs and flows with individuals moving in and out of residences,” stated Eliza Papazian, spokeswoman for the City of Glendale, in an earlier interview with CVW.

She added that since the pandemic and Safer at Home guidelines, the City has seen an increase in illegal dumping. Glendale officials, like CVTC, have had several outreach measures to let people know what to do if they see someone illegally dumping or illegally dumped items, or if they have large items to dispose of.

“We have also created public service announcements that get aired on a regular basis on our various social media platforms, newsletters and Channel 6, and have installed banners at several highly visible locations that inform the public of the free service we provide,” Papazian added.

In the City of La Cañada Flintridge and the unincorporated portion of La Crescenta the sheriff’s department can issue fines for illegal dumping. In Glendale the fines begin at $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense and $500 for three-time and subsequent offenders. Fines can go as high as $1,000 and include six months imprisonment.

Disposal companies usually offer large item/bulk material pick-up a couple of times a year without charge; Burrtec customers can call (800) 325-9417 for more information or to plan a pick-up.

Residents in La Crescenta or La Cañada Flintridge who find bulky items that have been dropped at their residence or in their neighborhood can call (888) 838-6746 or download The Works iPhone or Android applications. Anyone who witnesses illegal dumping in the unincorporated portion of LA County can call (888) 838-6746.

When illegal dumping is observed in Glendale it can be reported immediately to the Glendale police at the non-emergency number (818) 548-4911.

Leon added that residents in La Crescenta-Montrose can also email him at harry@thecvcouncil.com or any of the CVTC members. Email information for council members can be found at thecvcouncil.com.

  Mary Okeefe