‘Don't Waste Our Space' Program Launches in New Jersey, Aims to Decrease Illegal Dumping

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's increased effort to prosecute illegal dumping on state recreational properties has resulted in 34 arrests.

The Press of Atlantic City reports DEP Commissioner Bob Martin announced a partnership last week between the state and the cities of Camden, Trenton and Secaucus for a new program aimed at discouraging illegal dumping.

The "Don't Waste Our Open Space" program launched a new mobile app that allows visitors at state recreational areas to report dumping sites. Users can snap photos of the debris and send them to the DEP so the agency can investigate and begin to clean up.

Martin says he wants illegal dumpers to know there will be consequences for their actions.

There are 813,000 acres of state-preserved open space in New Jersey.