Photo Courtesy of Columbus Junction Public Works Social Media

Two months after fires were set in the city’s yard waste site, Columbus Junction Public Works has not reopened the area. In the final Columbus Junction City Council meeting of July, councilmembers decided to begin taking action on those who continue violating the city’s yard waste site policies.

Due to continued illegal dumping, the council unanimously approved the purchase of security cameras to monitor activity at the yard waste site. The price of the cameras was not disclosed. Additionally, the city will also start handing out tickets to those who continue to illegally dump waste. The charge amounts for tickets and the expected date of installation for the cameras was also not disclosed.

The yard waste site is for use by those who live within city limits, and is intended for items such as tree branches, leaves, grass clippings, and other yard waste. Recently, the city has found items that are not permitted for the waste site, including building materials, tires, vehicle windshields, toilets, furniture, household trash, and tree-cutting debris from commercial operations. Commercial contractors are also not allowed to dump waste at the site.

The yard waste site will remain closed indefinitely.