Turning the tide on illegal dumping in Cincinnati

Trash dumping is illegal. It causes severe environmental damage plus fines for dumping waste on public or private property can run up to $25,000. Illegal dumping triggers soil and water contamination, wildlife habitat destruction, and air pollution from noxious or flammable materials. Societal harms include declining property values, health risks from the resulting pests and diseases, and increased crime. The $2 million in costs incurred from cleaning up illegal dumping sites represents a significant economic impact.

Keep Cincinnati Beautiful was established as a nonprofit organization in 1978 to lead local efforts to clean up the Queen City. As technology, appliances, and consumables have become more complex, the challenges of disposing of an increasingly broad array of products, components, and packaging make many residents take the path of least resistance, simply chucking them away in what seem like inconspicuous places.

In 2023, Keep Cincinnati Beautiful took an aggressive step to curb illegal dumping by creating a pilot program called Don’t Dump the Nati, which instituted a spring-through-fall collection program that allows city residents to discard items such as electronic waste (e-waste) including computers, mobile phones, tablets, batteries, and related materials. In addition, there are sites for discarding tires, building materials, as well as  yard waste and conventional trash.

Alistair Probst, Keep Cincinnati Beautiful’s environmental services and greenspace program director, noted that one of Don’t Dump’s directives is to curb the toll that illegal dumping takes on the dozens of trash hotspots around the city. Hotspots are heavily concentrated along the Beekman Street Corridor, which connects North and South Fairmount and South Cumminsville, as well as in Avondale, Evanston, Mt. Auburn, Walnut Hills and Camp Washington.

The Don’t Dump the Nati collection program runs from March through November and is set up at 841 W. 6^th St. in 2026. Don’t Dump’s location changes yearly. Check hours and scheduled days below.  The collection events are funded by the city’s Environment and Sustainability Office, as well as local grant monies, sponsorships and resource contributions from Ohio’s EPA, O’Rourke Demolition Services, Gorilla Glue, Rumpke, The Port – Cincinnati, Cohen Recycling, and altafiber, among others.

Probst noted that Don’t Dump has enabled positive outcomes: “A number of illegal dumping offenders are now taking part in the event. After being cited, they understand dumping’s impact and want to do the right thing.”

In 2025, Don’t Dump diverted more than one million lbs. (500 tons) of waste away from landfills and dump sites, including more than 36,000 lbs. of construction materials, 33,000 lbs. or scrap metal, and 16,000 lbs. of e-waste.

‘It’s absolutely a team effort to stage Don’t Dump the Nati,” Probst said. “We’re grateful for all of our partners who provide fencing, garbage trucks, dumpster, and all the equipment needed to expedite proper disposal of all this waste.”

More than 2,000 vehicles dropped off materials last year; Probst noted that Keep Cincinnati Beautiful needs volunteers to help process visitors and their materials. Those interested can contact Keep Cincinnati Beautiful via this form.

However, there are limits on materials Don’t Dump the Nati can accept. These following items are prohibited:

• Paint
• Oil
• Compressed gas containers
• Refrigerators, air conditioners, and any other appliances containing refrigerants
• Toxic chemicals including cleaning solvents, pesticides, or anything containing mercury
• Biohazard materials such as medical waste

Note, the event is currently only open to city of Cincinnati residents. Those coming to Don’t Dump the Nati must show an ID to confirm residency. However, Probst hopes to eventually offer collection events open to those living beyond the city limits.

Probst also reminds residents they can call to schedule for the city to pick up furniture and other large bulk items by calling 311.

In addition to Don’t Dump the Nati, Keep Cincinnati Beautiful has collaborated with the city’s Public Services Department. Probst said that it can be difficult to quantify some benefits of diverting waste from illegal dump sites, but he was happy to note that trash dumping has declined by 30% since Don’t Dump the Nati’s debut.

What: Don’t Dump the Nati program from Keep Cincinnati Beautiful.

When: From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following Fridays: April 24, May 22, June 26, July 31, August 28, September 25, October 30, and November 20.

Where: 841 W. 6^th St. (This location changes yearly.)

How: For assistance on how to properly to dispose of different types of waste, click here.