Highway dumpster become dumping ground for other debris

Dumpsters meant to collect debris from the ongoing 95 Express Lanes Project make tempting targets for motorists with trash of their own to get rid of, but one site has been cleaned up.

The dumpster on southbound Interstate 95, south of Copans Road in Pompano Beach, was easily accessible on the shoulder of the highway and it attracted tires, car bumpers, crash scene debris, a sofa, and several mattresses.

Steve Moretti drove by daily on his way home from work last month and saw the pile of trash growing steadily until it was overflowing.

“It’s a disgrace, it really is,“he said. “What does that tell our tourists who visit here?”

The dumpster was emptied by March 29, but the trash around it remained. The area was cleaned up and the dumpster was removed March 31.

As the Interstate 95 construction continues between Broward Boulevard and Southwest 10th Street, tons of debris are left in its wake.

Rectangular metal waste bins were placed at two other locations along the route to dispose of asphalt, wiring, plastic poles, dirt and other debris.

Those dumpsters on northbound I-95 were behind a wall near Oakland Park Boulevard and on an infield area near Sample Road, largely out of sight.

Construction contractors are responsible for having the dumpsters emptied at least twice a month or as needed.

The Florida Department of Transportation has maintenance crews that also sweep I-95 regularly for road debris.

The agency could go after those who illegally dump their trash but there aren’t enough resources, manpower or time to track them down, prosecute and seek damages, said spokesman Chuck McGinness.

“There would have to be a police report filed for FDOT to have that authority to do so,” he said.

If someone, such as a Road

Ranger, witnessed illegal dumping on the side of the road, they could take photographs and immediately contact the Florida Highway Patrol and ask the Transportation Management Center to keep a video camera focused on the location to assist an FHP investigation.

Under Florida law, litterbugs face a fine of $500 to $5,000, up to five years in prison and other penalty conditions depending on the amount, weight and type of waste being dumped.

Less than 15 pounds dumped for noncommercial purposes is a noncriminal violation punishable by a $500 fine, and community service.

Between 15 and 500 pounds of noncommercial dumping is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by a $1,000 fine, one year in jail, community service, and a penalty of 3 points on a violator’s driver’s license.

More than 500 pounds dumped for commercial purposes or dumping of hazardous waste is a thirddegree felony and is punishable by a $5,000 fine, five years in prison, and community service. Additional penalties could include paying for damaged property, forfeiture of a vehicle, and for anyone’s injuries, whichever is greater.