Caught on Camera: Massive Fine for One Sneaky New Yorker

One New York man is down in the dumps after being caught on camera by the Department of Sanitation.

From New York City to the Adirondack Mountains, local New York governments are always on the lookout for residents looking to skirt the law, including those regulating the proper disposal of garbage and recycling. This time, the New York City Department of Sanitation (NYCDS) came out swinging with a massive penalty. But are the laws as strict here in the Hudson Valley?

Illegal Dumping in New York State

"Think you found a quiet dumping spot? Think again!", began a recent post from the NYCSD. "Our camera caught this dumper leaving cardboard on the sidewalk... earning a $4,000 summons & impounded van." Illegal dumping? Bad. A $4,000 summons? Astronomical. Here's how that penalty compares to laws in the Hudson Valley.

Penalties for Illegal Dumping in the Hudson Valley, NY

All counties in the Hudson Valley have laws against the illegal dumping of both solid waste and recyclable materials, but the numbers aren't anywhere near the hefty fines down in New York City (and your vehicle won't be impounded, either). In Dutchess County, NY, for example, residents who violate waste management and licensing regulations receive a fine of $500 for their first infraction. Recently, however, the Hudson Valley has had bigger problems.

SEE ALSO: Why Dutchess County Zoo Animals are Being Fed Illegal Fish

Massive Dumping Lawsuit in New York State

Back in March, Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit against nearly 30 waste management companies for illegally bringing thousands of truckloads worth of construction debris up from New York City to dump in Saugerties, NY. Since this was a much larger-scale alleged infraction than a single man leaving piles of cardboard, fines in this instance could reach millions of dollars.

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Make a Report to the New York State DEC

Big or small, no illegal dumping is tolerated in New York state, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) encourages all New Yorkers to report any infractions they witness. From dumping waste in storm drains to stores not accepting returnable (and recyclable) bottles, you can make a report here.