Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre and Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson remind residents of debris and trash pickup and disposal rules and issue a warning about illegal dumping of trash and storm debris. Since Hurricane Ida, deputies have responded to calls for illegal dumping in various areas of Lafourche Parish.
“As we’ve said in the past, when you illegally dump on someone else’s property, you’re making your problem someone else’s problem,” Sheriff Webre said. “We have to work together as a community to recover. Part of that means properly disposing of storm debris and building materials.
“We strongly encourage any resident who catches someone illegally dumping a contractor or storm debris to take a picture of the business name or license plate and contact the sheriff’s office immediately so we can identify these people,” said President Chaisson.
Any contractor needing debris removal should do so at the River Birch facility at 5301 Highway 90 West, Avondale, LA 70094, or contact River Birch at (504) 436-1632.
Garbage collection is back to twice weekly collection in most areas of Lafourche Parish. Only household waste placed in a parish-issued bin (or similar store-bought bin) will be picked up. Do not put storm debris in the trash. If you lost your parish-issued trash can to Hurricane Ida, you can use a similar store-bought trash can (60-95 gallon, square and sturdy), and the contractor will attempt to repair it. Residents can also call (985) 282-4273 to be placed on a list for a new or replacement trash can.
Residents who choose to illegally dump trash and debris on public or private property could face criminal charges. Among these charges are Gross Littering (RS 30:2531.1) and Criminal Trespass (RS 14:63).
Those charged with Gross Littering would face a fine of up to $1,000 for a first offense and eight hours of waste minimizing community service. For the third and subsequent offenses there is a fine of up to $5,000, up to 30 days in jail, up to 100 hours of community service, and driver’s license suspension for a year.
Those caught violating the Criminal Trespass Act could be fined up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail for a first offense or, for third and subsequent offenses, a fine of up to $500. $1,000 and up to six months in jail.