LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – FOX5 is learning companies are a big part of the illegal trash dumping problem in and around the Las Vegas Valley.
Unlicensed junk removal businesses, contractors, and landscaping services could be avoiding landfill fees by dumping in the desert for free, according to BLM officials and licensed junk removal companies.
J&B Hauling Owner Berry Ruffin has been in the junk removal industry for more than 30 years. For him, keeping the community clean is personal.
“It’s a beautiful community and a beautiful earth and you shouldn’t dump out there, sorry it’s kind of emotional for me.” Ruffin says. “It’s God’s earth, and you don’t want to see people do that.”
Ruffin says he’s seen a company dumping illegally firsthand.
“I saw a white pickup truck sitting there and looked at me across the lot and waved, and then just started taking firewood out of the truck and throwing it on the ground,” he says.
JunkMan owner Lou Pavelchik says he’s seen it happen too.
“We’ve seen a junk removal company come by and dump stuff on the side of the road,” Pavelchik says.
They even managed to catch it on video.
The Southern Nevada Health District and BLM both investigate illegal dumping complaints using videos like the one Pavelchik captured, witnesses, or even documents found in the trash.
“If you have mail in there with your name and address on it, we’re going to go talk to you first,” BLM Public Affairs Specialist John Asselin says.
To ensure the company you’re hiring isn’t taking your trash to the desert, Asselin suggests being wary of low prices, and if you have any doubt, make sure the business is licensed on Clark County’s website.
You can do that by clicking here and searching for the business name.
You can report illegal dumping to SNHD online or by calling (702) 759-0600. You can also report illegal dumping to BLM by calling 702-515-5000.
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