It is unfortunate that frequently when code enforcement officers investigate complaints for illegal disposal of vehicles, or occupancy of a travel trailer, they also find the area littered with trash and garbage. The natural beauty of our county is blighted with tires scattered in the hills and ravines, as well as old appliances, and stripped, abandoned vehicles.
There is no excuse for people dumping household garbage, dirty diapers, food products and remnants thereof in any manner other than by properly approved legal means. Lake County has some of the most reasonably priced curb-side garbage pick up and disposal rates in northern California. This even includes the free recycling offered by the curb-side haulers.
We have a message for the illegal dumpers: The cost of traveling into remote areas, and some not so remote, to do your dumping, where perhaps you won”t get caught in the act, is going to catch up with you sooner or later. Your vehicle may have been observed going into the area, the license number of the vehicle obtained and a description of the driver noted for future reference. Sooner or later you will be caught and the consequences are going to be more than you anticipated.
Law enforcement and code enforcement finds materials dumped by business people and/or their employees. We find tires dumped by the truck loads. Our message is, “If you are going to do a job, please do it in the proper, lawful manner!”
We encourage all law abiding citizens to keep an eye out for illegal dumpers and report them immediately. Help us protect the beauty and clean water we all enjoy.
Additionally, we implore landlords to include the extra dollars for curb-side pick up on their rental properties as an extra incentive for renters to dispose of their garbage and recycling weekly. If you hire a handyman to dispose of your trash, be sure you are provided with the receipt from the county landfill or transfer station to guarantee the disposal was properly handled. There are exemplary recycling programs in our county. Lake County Public Services has spearheaded a number of free recycling programs including: a tire amnesty program (March 1 run through June), the Hazmobile program, which takes up to 15 gallons of various hazardous liquids, from paints to antifreeze and the used oil program, which can also be accessed curbside is all free for local residents.
The public service hotline number is 263-1980 or check their recycling Web site: www.recycling.co.lake.ca.us for further details.
Take the time and make the effort to help retain the beauty of Lake County that we had before people started dumping illegally. We can have a beautiful Lake County once again with everyone”s cooperation and willingness to dispose of their household garbage, trash, old appliances, tires, etc. in the proper manner.
Your cooperation in reporting illegal dumping and identifying the responsible parties, whenever possible, is always appreciated. Please help us to clean up Lake County by contacting our office at 263-2309 during working hours if you have any questions, or contact our 24-hour hotline message phone at 263-2308.
Often county codes are similar to those in the incorporated cities. If you live in the incorporated cities and have questions, check with their code enforcement: City of Lakeport Code Enforcement at 263-3056 Ext. 7 and the City of Clearlake Code Enforcement at 994-8201 Ext. 115 or 118.
Editor”s Note: Voris Brumfield is Code Enforcement Manager for the County of Lake.
