Homeowner calls police after trash is dumped on street
RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - You'll find mattresses, a box spring, bags of clothing, chairs, even a fish tank sitting at the end of Balfour Street in Richmond.
It's a mess homeowners are frustrated and disgusted by.
"Something like this is trifling, I don't know," said Mari Valentenyi. "It's not only inconsiderate ... it is illegal."
Valentenyi owns a home on the somewhat private road, and while tire dumping does happen at the end of the road, she was blown away to find piles of trash bags, boxes and bulk items just left behind Sunday.
"Looks like somebody pulled up their truck with all this household stuff they wanted to get rid of and kind of blew it all out here," she said. "This kind of gigantic household dump is a first, this is so egregious, it's ridiculous."
Valentenyi has been working with her neighbors to figure out who is responsible, and quickly called the city of Richmond Code Enforcement, ultimately teaming up with Richmond Police.
"I feel that the city's hearing me but only because I'm pushing it, and they actually have some evidence," Valentenyi explained. "Inside the trash bags we found lots of bills with somebodies name on it and the address and everything else, so we think this came from Henrico county, we know the address it probably came from."
Unlawful dumping is a misdemeanor that could lead to up to a $2,500 fine or possibly jail time. Valentenyi says it doesn't make sense why someone from Henrico would leave their belongings at her home, when there are places in the county that allow residents to dump bulk items for a small fee.
In the city of Richmond, some bulk items are accepted for completely free at the East Richmond Road Landfill and Convenience Center, as long as you have a valid I.D. with proof of residency.
Valentenyi says Richmond Police continue to search for whoever is responsible for the mess, but an officer has arranged for the trash to be picked up Friday.
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