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DEP-contracted camera pilot aims to curb illegal dumping in New Jersey cities, vendor reports large reductions at hot spots
Summary
QStar, under a DEP contract, is deploying portable flash-cam systems in multiple New Jersey municipalities to deter and enforce illegal dumping; the vendor described motion-triggered warnings, solar power, and high-resolution images used to identify vehicles and issue warnings or fines.
Andrew Clark of QStar described a DEP-contracted pilot, launched in August 2024, that places portable, solar-charged flash-cam systems at illegal-dumping hot spots in seven New Jersey cities. The technology combines a motion-triggered bright flash and a recorded warning message to deter dumping and, when needed, capture high-resolution images for enforcement.
"This program was launched in August 2024," Clark said, describing deployments in communities including Paulsboro, Camden and Perth Amboy. He said the system's deterrent layer displays a custom warning ("This is a restricted area, and your photograph was just taken") when motion triggers the camera and that enforcement is supported by images of license plates and distinguishing features.
Clark emphasized that program success depends on local ownership: cities must move cameras between sites (bucket-truck access) and pursue follow-up enforcement. He said participating cities have reported near-complete reductions in dumping at monitored sites and that some have issued warnings or fines following captured incidents.
Why it matters: Illegal dumping imposes cleanup costs on municipalities and can concentrate hazardous waste in public spaces. Portable detection and deterrence systems could reduce recurring cleanup expenses and steer enforcement resources more efficiently.
Limits and implementation needs: Clark said the hardware and imagery are effective at identifying vehicles and individuals but stressed the requirement for administrative follow-through (moving units, issuing warnings, and prosecuting violations where appropriate). He recommended municipalities consider Clean Communities grant funds and recycling grants as possible funding sources for pilot installations.
Quote: "You need both a deterrence and enforcement," Clark said. "For the areas that were...caught a few people, then we were able to stop the issue."
