East Orange, NJ, August 24, 2023: Mayor Ted R. Green announced today that the East Orange Police Department (EOPD) and the Department of Code Enforcement will be teaming up to crack down on illegal dumping and to hold violators accountable to the maximum extent of the law.
This month, EOPD charged two men, neither of whom live in East Orange, with illegally dumping in the city. In the first incident, on July 10, 37-year-old Raqeeb Stubbs of Newark, NJ was caught on camera dumping a refrigerator at the corner of St. Agnes Place and Central Avenue in front of CareWell Health Medical Center, while two days later, 54-year-old James Bartolomei of Clinton, NJ, was caught on camera unloading 33 scrap tires in a city-owned lot on 4th Avenue.
EOPD officials said both men have received summonses and must appear in court to face fines that start at $200 and can go as high as $50,000 and up based on the amount and contents of the dumping. Additionally, perpetrators may lose their driver’s license and road privileges for a set period of time or even have to forfeit their vehicles. And if the city cleaned up the mess, then the illegal dumper must foot the bill.
The dumping of hazardous waste is considered an environmental crime and those who do so may be subject to arrest, jail time and mandated community service.
“Enough is enough. We are going to use whatever weapons we have in our arsenal to go after these violators who have the audacity to come into our city and shamefully leave their garbage on public property,” said Mayor Green. “My team and I have been working very hard to restore a sense of community and pride in our city and we will not let these egregious acts of dumping go unpunished. These same people wouldn’t dare dump in some of our neighboring towns, and they are going to soon learn that they better not do it in East Orange.”
Public Safety Director Maurice Boyd said that the department’s state-of-the-art technology is one of the greatest assets in combating illegal dumping and potential dumpers need to think twice.
“Littering and illegal dumping are against the law, and those who do it, will get caught,” said Boyd.
Despite these sporadic illegal acts of dumping, Mayor Green said he is proud to notice a marked increase in how well residents and business owners are maintaining their properties.
“Our neighborhoods are beautiful and our city is blessed with plenty of open, green space for our families and visitors to enjoy. If we all work collectively, we can and will keep our city clean,” said Mayor Green.
The next citywide Fall Cleanup will be held on Saturday, October 14 starting at East Orange City Hall at 10am where participants will receive a continental breakfast and cleaning supplies before heading into neighborhoods for targeted cleaning and beautification. All non-profit groups, business owners, block associations, residents and students are encouraged to participate. To register or join a group, please call Constituent Services at 973.266.5151.
To anonymously report littering and illegal dumping, please call 973.266.5320 or 973.266.5330.
