March 28, 2024

Fine schedule established for landfill

Fines were established for illegal dumping of trash in the recycling and yard waste area of the Newton Sanitary Landfill at the Monday city council meeting.

The area is permitted and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources with the DNR having the capability to fine the landfill up to $10,000 for permit violations. The fines are created to protect the landfill against potential fines from the DNR and discourage any illegal dumping.

“The fine schedule is to prevent illegal dumping in this 24/7 area where people come day and night and get rid of recyclables as well as yard waste,” Public Works Director Keith Laube said. “If we do not have that people might dump their trash there.”

The city approved a progressive schedule of fines for violators with the minimum of $100 fine plus tipping fees for incidents when landfill staff can identify the violator from video surveillance, contact he violator and the violator agrees to pay the fine. The second tier is a $500 fine, plus tipping fees, plus court costs for incidents where the landfill needs the help of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office to collect the fine through a court hearing. The largest fine imposed would be $1,000, plus DNR fines, disposal fees and court costs for illegal dumping items restricted by the Recourse Conservation and Recovery Act, such as hazardous materials.

“Our idea is to have this area under camera surveillance and have signage so people understand what goes in this area and what does not,” Laube said.

Council Member Noreen Otto thought it was important to know what is allowed in the area, including leave, small brush and grass clippings. All approved materials will be posted at the site.

“It is basically composting material that we use for our daily cover for top soil in the landfill,” Laube said. “That is why it is free.”

There is also an area for recyclables such as plastic, glass and paper. Both areas are located at the front of the landfill making for easy access without having to go all the way into the landfill.

“I think this is a great service to provide to our citizens and we need to protect that so that law abiding citizens continue to have that ability in off hours,” Council Member Evelyn George said.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com