HOUSTON – A month-long battle with illegal dumping in Houston’s Sunnyside neighborhood ended quickly after residents reached out to KPRC 2 for help.
The pile of furniture, food waste, and household items that had accumulated on Larkspur Street disappeared within hours after KPRC 2 contacted city officials about the situation.
“I lived here all my life,” said Ruthie Kinsey, a longtime Sunnyside resident who expressed deep concern about the deteriorating conditions in her neighborhood. “This block is my passion. A lot of my neighbors are still here that were here when I was growing up.”
The illegal dump site had become more than just an eyesore. Resident Donald Jones described a situation that affected his quality of life: “It smells bad. I don’t even want to sit out on my porch anymore.”
Beyond the immediate aesthetic issues, the dumping created potential environmental hazards. The pile included decomposing food waste, furniture, clothing, and various household items. Kinsey pointed out that “they’re blocking the sewage with the furniture, so the water won’t be able to flow.”
The situation was further complicated by an abandoned vehicle near the dump site, adding to residents’ frustrations.
Despite multiple calls to various city services, including 311 and law enforcement, the pile remained. “I done call 311, 911, the police department, you know, just everybody,” Jones said.
However, when KPRC 2 contacted Houston’s Public Works and Solid Waste departments about the situation, crews quickly removed the accumulated waste.
Illegal dumping remains a persistent issue throughout Houston. The city has recently increased efforts to combat the problem, with authorities reminding residents that illegal dumping can result in significant penalties, including fines and possible jail time.
Residents experiencing similar issues are encouraged to report illegal dumping through Houston’s 311 service line.
While this case had a positive outcome, it underscores the ongoing challenge of illegal dumping in Houston neighborhoods and the importance of prompt reporting and response.
The Solid Waste Management Department sent KPRC 2 the following statement:
At 4318 Larkspur St., our inspectors issued two violations on August 22 for unlawful placement of junk/tree waste outside the allowable set-out time and for general littering. The property was originally scheduled for re-inspection on August 27. Given the public health concerns, we have expedited action, and a Solid Waste truck is scheduled to remove the illegal dumping by the close of business today.
Please remind the public that if anyone is caught illegally dumping in Houston, they may face criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the amount, type, and whether it is a repeat offense. City fines can be as high as $4,000.