(SUSSEX COUNTY, Del.) One person's trash could turn into another person's treasure in Sussex County. Neighbors can now call Delaware Crime Stoppers hotline to report trash tossers and illegal dumpers in their area, and receive up to $100 in rewards.
Kathleen Bryan and her husband Chris use the recycling center at Ellendale frequently. They said this new program can only help the situation.
"People literally throw trash right in the road," Kathleen Bryan said. "I don't understand it at all. That is definitely something in the future we'll think of. If we see it happening i'll definitely take their tag number down or something."
Chief Constable Michael Costello said illegal dumping has been a problem for a while. Now talking trash could add up in a good way.
"We can't be everywhere at once," Costello said. "The law enforcement helping us with this can't be everywhere at once. If we can solicit help from our residents we definitely want to do that."
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control said the next time you see someone illegal dumping take a smart phone picture or video and call the crime stoppers hotline. Any piece of information that leads them to an arrest could put extra cash in your pocket.
Kristan has lived across from Ellendale Recycling Center for eight years. She said she is used to the mounds of trash people throw into her yard.
"Sometimes people don't even make sure the trash makes it into the bin," Kristan said. "It just ends up blowing over here."
Crime Stoppers told WRDE News they do not ask for names or track numbers. All tips will remain anonymous.
