City to install security camera for electronic recycling

By  Paul Ploumis 05 Sep 2015  Last updated at 00:21:33 GMT

A new security camera will be installed in the drop off location behind Harrison Place.

ALBANY (Scrap Monster): A security camera system will now monitor activity behind Harrison Place, where city residents drop off their electronic waste items.

Over the last few months, city officials have been urging the public to stop dropping off electronics for recycling during the site's off-hours. The city has been finding piles of televisions stacked behind the building, something that city officials do not want to happen. Despite a no dumping sign being posted on site, items continue to be left there.

As a result, Mayor Anne McCaffrey announced Wednesday she has instructed Police Chief Larry Eggert to install a security camera system to catch people illegally dumping televisions.

"We can not continue to allow dropping off of e-waste at times other than days we schedule," McCaffrey said. "It will be enforced going forward."

Eggert said once the system is installed it will provide a live feed to the police radio room, where it will be monitored. If a person is seen dropping off a television, police will go to the scene and that person will have to take their television back.

Eggert said police are also working to decide what type of charge would be given, whether it be littering or illegal dumping.

"There are a number of statutes, both local and through the state," Eggert said, concerning what a person could be charged with. 

He said the city, the police department and the media have issued a number of advisories and warnings, but it keeps happening.

"Our goal is to have people not do it," he said. "Our goal is certainly not to arrest people."

Courtesy: www.lockportjournal.com