Abandoned Drums

As the Miami-Dade County community has grown more aware of the needs of our environment, we pay attention to the actions of those around us. Environmental crimes are crimes against us all.

One of the most common crime against the environment that we experience in Miami-Dade County is abandonment of drums or similar containers. Potentially dangerous chemicals are left by roadsides, in ditches, or hidden from scrutiny on empty lots, or in abandoned warehouses. These drums of toxic chemicals are "abandoned" by people who, most likely, are attempting to avoid the cost of proper and safe disposal. Illegally dumped drums often contain hazardous and toxic materials, including flammable liquids, poisonous materials, waste oil and many other chemical hazards.

Miami-Dade County takes drum abandonment very seriously because of the risk to the public's drinking water supply, and the risk that someone may come into direct contact with these abandoned drums and their contents with potentially fatal results.

These drums create a potential health risk for individuals who accidentally ingest or touch the contaminated surface water, groundwater, sludge or soils around the drum. In addition, drums of waste chemicals that are dumped on the side of roads or on private property cost thousands of dollars each week to clean up.

The illegal abandonment of drums is a way for companies or individuals to reduce their waste disposal costs; however, it is also a very simple way to increase pollution and health hazards within the community.

So, if you see an abandoned drum, please report it promptly.