Dumpster divers unchained

COEUR d'ALENE — Dumpster diving in Kootenai County has climbed into a whole new level.

Cathy Mayer, the county's Solid Waste director, told commissioners on Monday that the illegal practice is deterring some residents from disposing of items at the rural collection sites because the violators have become so aggressive.

"One woman had a van with kids (at the Rose Lake site) last summer and they grabbed the bag straight from inside the van," Mayer said. "They've gotten really aggressive, and some people have gotten afraid of that."

Commissioners said they are aware that dumpster diving has been an issue both here and other parts of the country, but the behaviors reported by Mayer is a bunch of garbage.

"This adds a new dimension to dumpster diving," Commissioner Chris Fillios said.

Mayer said dumpster diving has been an issue at most of the county's 13 rural collection sites, but has been particularly a problem near the Mica Grange off U.S. 95, Rose Lake, Blue Creek Bay and Sunup Bay.

She said she believes some of the violators are looking for prescription medications that should be turned in to area law enforcement agencies so they can be disposed of properly through an incinerator.

But anything that can be sold is also a hot item, Mayer said.

"They're looking to sell items," she said.

Mayer shared an example of how violators can react when they're red-flagged on dumpster diving.

"They've told me that I'm a miserable excuse of a human being because I don't have anything better to do than kicking people out of a dumpster," she said.

Mayer said dumpster diving is against the law because it can be unsafe and unsanitary. One violator at her previous position in Alaska was hauled off inside a portable dumpster, she said.

Scavenging/salvaging is a misdemeanor in Kootenai County. The fine is up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail.

Mayer said the county is in the process of installing $100,000 worth of security camera upgrades at rural collection sites and at the transfer stations in Coeur d'Alene and north of Post Falls.

"The purpose is site safety and security," said Mayer, adding that the intent is not to spy on residents.

Mayer said wild game cameras have been tried at a few of the rural sites, but the batteries often wear out and it's not a good long-term solution.

"Some (of the violators) have been observed, but not well enough to get license plates (or other key information)," Mayer said.

The Sheriff's Office is also aware of the dumpster violators and has been asked to keep an eye out at the sites, Mayer said. Residents are encouraged to notify the Sheriff's Office as soon as they see dumpster divers, she said.

"Oftentimes, if this situation occurs, it's reported after the fact to Solid Waste and not to the Sheriff's Office," said Sheriff's Office spokesman Dennis Stinebaugh.

Mayer said dumpster diving has been an issue not only at night, but in broad daylight.

She said violators often leave a mess outside the dumpsters, leaving county staff, haulers and others with cleaning up the debris. The dumpster at Blue Creek Bay was also recently vandalized with spray paint, she said.

Items that should not be taken to the rural collection sites include furniture, beds, oil, hazardous materials and batteries.

Mayer said staff also has to continually be on the lookout for people wanting to pack items home from the transfer stations.