Shame, media spotlight used as anti-dumping deterrents

The largest town in Newfoundland and Labrador is warning illegal dumpers that they may wind up on evening newscasts.

Conception Bay South says a man has been charged with violating a provincial environmental law after the town's hidden security cameras recorded him in an area of the town where dumping has been common.

The video was turned over to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. Coun. Ken McDonald said the town is prepared to go further, and release the images to the media.

"Pure ignorance and laziness. They're stupid," McDonald said of people who dump their trash illegally.

"But if they want to continue it, they're going to get caught and their picture will be the next picture that'll be put all over the media."

Video released by the town on Wednesday obscured the faces of two men lifting trash from a truck.

Mayor Woodrow French said the town has zero tolerance for litterbugs, particularly now that the town is using video surveillance.

"If we catch you, the message that we want to get out is that we are going to prosecute you. No if, ands or buts," French said.

Fines for illegal dumping under Newfoundland and Labrador's Environmental Protection Act can be as high as $10,000.

McDonald said the town is hoping that would-be dumpers will be deterred by the spectre of a public shaming.

"Everybody knows who owns that truck. Their neighbours know, their buddies know," he said.

"So, now they got to walk around with their heads held pretty low, I think, in the community from now on and for quite some time."