EATON — During the Preble County Commissioners’ meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 13, Beth Wright, Preble County Solid Waste Management District’s Division of Recycling and Litter Prevention Assistant Director, presented her monthly report. In it, she noted the surveillance cameras added to county recycling areas are beginning to show results. The cameras were installed to curb illegal dumping, which is a problem costing the county additional funds.

“The Rumpke driver who services the Camden area, says that he’s noticed a big decrease, especially with contractors using the area. I’ve had a camera up since December and we’ve had once incident where I got the license plate. We found the individual and it was a mentally disabled individual who was under aged. I did not pursue that particular incident,” Wright said.

“In Eaton we have just put those up by the Fire Station last week and we already had an incident this week. I am pursuing that one. We had an individual dump very large piece of barn wood, an air hockey table, chainsaw, bar stools, and various picture frames and trash.

“Our signs that are mounted by the cameras state a violation of up to $500 or 60 days in jail. The authorities contact the individual and determine if they want to take it to court. That is what they could potentially get.”

She added, there are no cameras at National Trail Local School District to monitor their recycling bins, but that area is one of the worst for illegal dumping. This is a combination of staff members and community members.

“I got in touch with their superintendent and had a staff meeting [in January]. I showed them a Powerpoint to show them all the stuff that shouldn’t be [recycled]. They also said they would try to monitor the public with that area,” Wright said. “Their cameras around the school, but they don’t reach out that far to be able to see on those dumpsters.”

In other business, Wright noted, the next tire collection event will be held on Saturday, April 13. According to Wright, this might be the last free event. Registration will be held the week prior.

This year, all five Preble County School districts will be participating in Earth Day, held on Thursday, May 2. This year’s Earth Day event is shaping up to be the largest attended event to date, with 505 students.