In the wake of the city’s refusal to take action on the recent indictment and arrest of a commissioner and the ongoing shenanigans of other personnel caught up in legal battles, Douglas officials broke their silence to address a much bigger issue plaguing the community: dumpster diving.
“The City of Douglas urges citizens to help clean up Douglas by not littering or digging through dumpsters at businesses,” officials stated in a press release issued Wednesday. “Citizens who dispose of items in another person’s privately owned or business dumpster without the owner’s permission are committing a crime. It is illegal to dumpster dive or dispose of trash in another person’s trash container or dumpster. Offenders could face a penalty of a fine up to $1,000.”
City Manager Terrell Jacobs added, “Our citizens should take action to make our community a better place. Any dumpster that is not locked can open the doors to dumpster diving or illegal dumpster use. We urge businesses to purchase locks and place the locks on the dumpster to prevent dumpster diving or illegal dumping.”
The city’s sudden crackdown on dumpster diving and illegal dumping comes on the heels a recent incident in which Douglas Police Officer Tony Ward was, by the city’s own admission, caught red-handed by surveillance cameras at the local Salvation Army illegally dumping a large amount of trash. Ward was cited for the incident, but the case has yet to be resolved. It is not known whether or not he will be forced to pony up the $1,000 penalty previously mentioned.
To take the matter just a step further, city officials warn that offenders who are caught in the act of dumpster diving, littering, or illegal dumping will be posted on the city’s social media platforms and local channel 13.
For more information, contact the city’s public works department at 912-389-3450 or visit www.cityofdouglas.com.