Trash Dumping Costs Taxpayers

Each year the Darke County Park District is forced to spend over $1,000 in taxpayers’ money to clean up and remove trash dumped on park property. Recently Winterrowd Wetlands on St. Rt. 47 just west of Ansonia was the victim of yet another dumping. A pile of broken concrete and trash were dumped near the parking area. This dumping was in direct violation of not only Darke County Park District rules and regulations, but also of the Ohio Revised Code. It is illegal to dump trash, household goods, yard waste, construction materials, or other refuse on park property.

This is the second case of dumping on park property in two years, and each time an issue like this arises, every attempt is made to locate, charge, and prosecute the person responsible. Director of the Darke County Park District, Roger Van Frank said, “We need the general public’s help in matters like this. If you see any suspicious activity in the parks during business hours, please call the Nature Center at 548-0165 or the Darke County Sherriff’s office after hours at 548-2020.” Van Frank continued saying that “tips leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible may carry a reward.”

As a reminder, the Darke County Park District in conjunction with the Darke County Solid Waste Management District are offering their Christmas Tree Recycling program again through January 13th. Please take undecorated trees to Shawnee Prairie Preserve, and follow the signs to the drop off location.

The Darke County Park District requests that if anyone has information on this trash dumping to please contact the park office at 548-0165.