Ashland Police Department says multiple tickets already issued using new camera system for recycling drop-off
Olivia Hayes
ASHLAND, Mo. (KMIZ)
The City of Ashland has installed a mobile camera system at its recycling lot on Red Tail Drive.
According to the city, the issue has escalated since Columbia’s recycling plant was closed after a tornado in April. Frustrations have been running high for the taxpayers of Ashland.
“People [are] complaining cause they’re [recycling bins] always full and other people complaining because people just throw the trash out anyway,” Ashland resident Mitchell Basinger said.
In a social media post, the Ashland Police Department says this system is temporary while improvements are being made to existing cameras. With this camera system, officials can identify and link people and license plates to suspicious activity.
“Users of the recycling lot will be greeted with an audio message, which, in addition to the existing signage, clearly lays out the rules and expectations for the utilization of the recycling lot,” the post states.
Ashland Police Chief Scott Young told ABC 17 News that they can tell who’s bringing in trash and from where but they have to have physical evidence that links the person directly.
“We can tell by the address labels you know where they’re from, but we need more than just an address label to make out, to actually be able to spot people. So that’s why we did the video,” Young said.
The Ashland Police Department also issued a reminder that the recycling lot is provided as a paid service to City of Ashland residents only.
“Only Ashland citizens who are currently paying Ashland utility bills are allowed to use the site. They’re the ones paying for it,” Young said. “Our goal is compliance right. Not, not enforcement. Unfortunately, we will have to do some enforcement to get compliance.”
According to Ashland police, the camera system has already provided documentation of illegal dumping violations. Young said the city is using this new mobile camera system under a free trial, until it can find a permanent option.
The city will keep the facility locked over the weekend to help reduce — what the city is calling — abuse.