Using the Toolkit


	Using the Toolkit
	An effective illegal dumping prevention program involves local government, industry, and community stakeholders working together to address the problem in a defined area. The following steps have proven successful for establishing and implementing a customized prevention program: Identify and assemble stakeholders to establish interest in working together Define the boundaries of a specific target area Conduct a thorough assessment of the problem (see page 11) Clearly define goals Select program components from the "toolkit" to develop an integrated program Develop a written description of the overall program design, existing resources, and needs Use the written description to seek resources Assign specific responsibilities and delegate roles Monitor program implementation and evaluate program impacts Publicize qualitative and quantitative impacts of the program An integrated approach can be effective if the appropriate tools are used. The second part of this guidebook contains a "toolkit" that outlines and describes practices that have proven to be effective in combating illegal dumping. Case studies are provided that describe successful applications of the practices and identify contacts for further information. In addition, the "toolkit" identifies specific resources that can be used to support local implementation of an illegal dumping prevention program. Assessing the Problem The following topics should be examined when an illegal dumping problem is assessed for a given target area: The Nature of the Problem Locations of persistent illegal dumping problems Commonalities of illegal dumping areas, including demographics and types of waste Commonalities of illegal dumping incidents, such as the source of the waste, dumping incident characteristics, and the profile of illegal dumpers Possible driving forces behind illegal dumping, such as user fees, restrictions on curbside trash pickup, or lack of effective recycling programs The Players Involved Departments or agencies responsible for enforcing laws, ordinances, or regulations Other organizations involved, such as community groups or local industry Level of coordination and communication among involved organizations Amount of information-sharing with other geographic areas Past and Ongoing Efforts Local laws, ordinances, or regulations that address illegal dumping Existing programs or previous efforts to prevent illegal dumping Methods used to monitor or measure illegal dumping and any trends observed Previous or ongoing cleanup efforts, such as community volunteer cleanup days Communication of illegal dumping prevention efforts to the community Efforts that have been successful or unsuccessful and why Resources Sources of funding for previous or existing efforts to address illegal dumping Additional resources needed to adequately address illegal dumping problems