Lane County launches R.I.D. tool to combat illegal dumping
By Daniel Hiestand
Lane County Waste Reduction Outreach Coordinator
Illegal dumping isn’t just an eyesore: it’s a costly, environmentally damaging problem that affects neighborhoods, waterways, and wildlife.
Lane County is taking a proactive step to address this issue with the launch of its new Report Illegal Dumping (R.I.D.) tool, an easy-to-use online platform that empowers residents to act.
Try the tool at lanecountyor.gov/keeplaneclean.
The R.I.D. tool allows residents to report illegal dumping sites quickly and accurately. Using a simple form, residents can upload photos, provide location details, and share any relevant information. This data helps Lane County Waste Management’s Nuisance Abatement Program respond more quickly and effectively, ensuring cleanup efforts are prioritized and resources are used wisely.
More importantly, it helps users determine which jurisdiction should oversee the issue. While the Nuisance Abatement Program cleans up illegal dump sites along county roads, it doesn’t handle issues on non-county roads (such as in cities). Additionally, the program does not handle illegal dumping on private property.
Why does all this matter? Illegal dumping can include hazardous materials that can leach into soil and water, posing risks to public health and ecosystems. By reporting these incidents, residents become active partners in protecting Lane County’s natural beauty and reducing cleanup costs for taxpayers.
What is illegal dumping?
Illegal dumping is done intentionally, rather than being an act of nature or an accident.
If a bear tips over a trash can and drags garbage into your yard, this is not considered illegal dumping. And if a neighbor doesn’t secure their garbage and the wind accidentally blows trash into your yard, please don’t contact the Nuisance Abatement Program. Instead, we encourage folks to talk to their neighbors to sort out issues like this.
Please note that if you live on private property in unincorporated Lane County and experience ongoing illegal dumping, concerns about code violations on private property are handled by our Land Management Division. Residents can file code complaints online at https://ow.ly/tuFO50Yl7aZ.
Re-Imagine Earth Day: Call for participants by March 8
The second Re-Imagine Earth is back.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 19, from 1-5 p.m. at the Farmers Market Pavilion (85 E. 8th Ave., Eugene). This free, indoor/outdoor event, hosted by the Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts (MECCA), BRING, City of Eugene Waste Prevention, and Waste Wise Lane County–a part of Lane County Waste Management–will feature hands-on activities, local food vendors, entertainment, and interactive exhibits from organizations dedicated to environmental sustainability, waste reduction, renewable energy, and environmental stewardship.
Lane County nonprofits, community groups, government agencies, vendors, businesses, artists, and educational institutions interested in participating in the event should fill out an application form by March 8 at wastewiselane.org/earth.
