KC Reporter

The Kansas City Council has enacted several measures to address illegal dumping within the community. Resolution No. 240456 and Ordinance No. 240458, sponsored by Councilmembers Crispin Rea and Melissa Patterson Hazley, aim to enhance enforcement and penalties related to illegal dumping. Additionally, Ordinance No. 240445, sponsored by Councilmember Melissa Robinson, seeks to introduce a comprehensive curbside refuse collection system and strengthen measures against illegal dumping in the city's right-of-way.

Key initiatives include increased enforcement and monitoring, judicial and operational enhancements, stricter penalties for offenders, administrative regulations development, and public awareness campaigns.

The Neighborhood Services Department will expand its team of investigators dedicated to enforcing illegal dumping regulations. The city has also acquired additional cameras to monitor high-risk areas for such activities.

The Kansas City Municipal Court will establish a new docket specifically for illegal dumping cases in anticipation of increased enforcement actions. The Public Works Department has expanded opportunities for residents to request bulky item pickups with newly procured equipment.

Penalties for illegal dumping on vacant lots, Land Bank properties, and unimproved parcels have been increased by the City Council.

Administrative measures include the creation of an administrative regulation with key performance indicators to ensure prompt responses to illegal dumping incidents. A report on this proposed regulation will be presented to the council within 60 days. Additionally, a public information campaign will be launched to educate residents on new policies and penalties related to illegal dumping while promoting lawful disposal options for trash and bulky items.

Ordinance No. 240458 amends Chapter 62 of the Code of Ordinances (Solid Waste) by repealing and replacing Section 62-89 to better address illegal dumping issues and protect public health, safety, and welfare in Kansas City.

Key components of this ordinance include an enhanced legal framework that explicitly prohibits illegal dumping in both public and private spaces without owner consent while outlining substantial penalties for violations. Possession of three or more identifiable items in illegally dumped materials constitutes prima facie evidence enabling stronger enforcement actions against violators.

Violators may face fines ranging from $1 to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to six months or both under general penalty provisions. Enhanced penalties apply for specific properties such as unimproved parcels, Land Bank properties, vacant lots or city parks with fines between $500-$1,000 or imprisonment up-to six months or both along with mandatory shock imprisonment/community service terms determined by municipal judges based on violation severity.

Quarterly updates on ordinance implementation effectiveness including recommendations will be provided by the City Manager's office Finance Governance & Public Safety Committee

Ordinance No:240445 significantly amends Chapter:62 Solid Waste Article II Collection By City revising sections:62-41/42/45 ensuring public curbside refuse collection availability all habitable residential units buildings six/fewer units fully within Kansas City's corporate boundaries distributing wheeled refuse carts residents use disposal revises maximum limit tagging requirements excess bags

Weekly curbside collection bulky items available appointment specific guidelines types eligible restrictions placement added section addressing city's right-of-way timely investigation communication enforcement removal deadlines each stage response process standards quicker assignment faster investigations collected within twelve days

Kansas City remains committed managing waste responsibly reducing street refuse activities emphasizing resident role maintaining clean healthy environment proper disposal trash construction materials recyclables essential combating enhancing quality life neighborhoods encouraged use myKCMO app call 311 report incidents