New town ordinance targets town dumpsters

A new law passed by the Brookhaven Town Board on April 4 prohibits people or businesses from dumping large amounts of trash in town-owned dumpsters or recycling bins.

First-time offenders are subject to a fine of $2,000 to $10,000 and/or up to 15 days in jail under the law, which went into effect on April 11. Subsequent offenses carry a fine of $4,000 to $20,000 and/or up to six months in jail.

The law is aimed at cutting down on businesses that fill up town dumpsters with rubbish or construction debris, rather than paying for their own trash removal, said District 6 Town councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig, who sponsored the legislation.

“We want people to know it’s serious,” she said.

While the problem is townwide, one area where this has been a particular problem is at Heritage Park and the Wedge in Mt. Sinai, Dunne Kesnig said.

It costs the town about $220 every time it has to unload a dumpster, Dunne Kesnig said. In addition to the cost, the illegally dumped items contaminate other items that otherwise could be recycled, she said.