HARRISBURG, Pa. — It’s on street corners, in alleyways and embankments throughout the city.
Illegally dumped trash is continuing to pile up faster than Harrisburg sanitation crews can pick it up.
“They are doing their absolute hardest to clean this up every single day," said Matt Maisel, communications director for the City of Harrisburg. "It’s so frustrating when you clean up an illegal dump site and two weeks later it’s right back to what it was.”
Harrisburg resident Mary Ulrich told FOX43 that she sees trash piles whenever she leaves her home.
“[You see] scrap wood, things that might come off a construction truck [and] insulation,” Ulrich said.
Walking down some streets, residents might find empty bottles, snack wrappers and even queen-sized mattresses.
Prosecuting suspects has been difficult, despite city cameras capturing the acts happening.
“What we’re learning is that sometimes these individuals are getting slapped on the wrist, [or even being] let off entirely,” Maisel said.
The city plans to have Magisterial District Judge Marian Urrutia handle all illegal dumping cases moving forward.
“She does not have any affiliation with the city or some of the people in the city who’ve been accused of illegal dumping,” Maisel stated.
Additional fines within the Pennsylvania Code are also expected to be used against repeat violators.
Gabe Gladfelter visits Harrisburg frequently and is excited to see the city clean up over time.
“I can tell you it's a lot nicer coming back to York and Harrisburg, but you know there’s still stuff that needs to be done," Gladfelter said. "Clearly the city is trying to do something more about it and that’s good."
City officials expect to release more information on cleanup efforts Monday morning.
Mayor Wanda R.D. Williams, District Attorney Fran Chardo, and Dauphin County Commissioner City Councilman Ralph Rodriguez are expected to join Maisel, among other speakers during the announcement.