Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose announced today the creation of an Illegal Dumping Task Force, comprising members of the Newark Police and Fire Divisions as well as city Sanitation personnel, to identify companies and individuals who illegally dump debris in the City of Newark.

Beginning today, the Illegal Dumping Task Force will be deployed throughout the city to identify illegal dumping offenders, who will have their vehicles towed, will be fined for the cleanup and will face criminal charges, including court costs.

“Illegal dumping blights the beauty of our neighborhoods and diminishes the quality of life for all Newark residents,” Mayor Baraka said. “In creating this task force, we are sending a strong message: If you dump on Newark, you will be towed, fined, and even jailed. We are asking Newarkers to join with us by reporting illegal dumping whenever they see it.”

“This enforcement operation is a definitive step toward identifying and prosecuting those who violate our dumping laws,” Director Ambrose added. “We take this matter very seriously and will be vigilant about putting an end to this practice in our city.”

Task Force members will be utilizing surveillance cameras to target the locations where illegal dumping offenses are most prevalent. The public is encouraged to use the Newark Police Division Smartphone App or online reporting forms to anonymously report incidents of illegal dumping. Those reporting should document the vehicle’s description and license plate, and take a photo if one can be taken discreetly.

To use telephone reporting, call the Department’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NWK-GUNS(1-877-695-4867). All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.