The Watertown Boys & Girls Club is calling on the local community to put an end to illegal dumping on its property, a situation that has persisted for months and is straining its finances. Staff members have reported finding a variety of discarded items, including sectional couches, mattresses, rowing machines, and even a flat-screen TV abandoned in their parking lot.
On Friday, the staff discovered two mattresses along with other debris outside the dumpster. The club’s Executive Director Gary Beatty expressed his frustration, stating, “Unfortunately, it’s something that we’ve seen quite a bit of lately. It feels like it has ramped up, probably over the last 12 months or so.” Beatty suspects that most of the illegal dumping is being carried out by individuals living nearby, as surveillance footage has captured both vehicles and pedestrians discarding waste during the night.
Financial Strain from Illegal Dumping
Removing the trash has become an expensive ordeal for the club. Staff have had to hire contractors for proper disposal, costing them hundreds of dollars per load. “Every penny we bring into the club we want to keep in the club,” Beatty explained. “So, to have to reinvest any of that in dealing with this trash issue is a real sense of frustration for us.”
Despite posting signs and installing security cameras around the property, the dumping has not ceased. The club is now collaborating with the Watertown police to track down those responsible and recover some of the thousands of dollars spent on waste removal. Beatty remarked, “I understand at times it can be difficult to get rid of things. But at the Boys & Girls Club, we’re just really frustrated that rather than taking the initiative to go and get it done, as most people do, they decide to dump it here at the club and leave us to ultimately deal with it.”
Impact on Community Services
Fortunately, the illegal dumping has not disrupted the club’s core mission of providing a safe and fun environment for children before and after school. “We’re very proud of what we do,” Beatty said. “We love the work that we do and we’re just so happy to be here in the community.” The ongoing situation has prompted a plea from the Boys & Girls Club for community members to take responsibility and find appropriate ways to dispose of their unwanted items.
The Watertown Boys & Girls Club continues to strive for the well-being of local youth, despite the challenges posed by illegal dumping. With support from the community, they hope to resolve this issue and redirect resources back towards their programs.
