Portales asks for dumping reports

PORTALES — In conjunction with an expanded effort at trash removal in alleys, the city of Portales is asking citizens to report instances of illegal dumping.

According to a city release, the public works department has dedicated its entire staff to alleyway cleanup. The release reported the city the cleanup has included 600 mattresses and other undisclosed large items that do not fit in alleyway trash bins.

Residents are asked to report illegal dumping to city staff at 575-356-6662, and to take large items to the city’s Convenience Center at Kaywood and Avon streets. The center takes items at no charge for residents who provide a current city water bill. All others are subject to tipping fees per cubic yard of $1.50 (brush), $3.75 (light construction debris and general household trash) or $30 (concrete).

“I am asking the Portales community to help with the cleanliness of our city,” Mayor Ron Jackson said in the release.

Illegal dumping violations are handled though the municipal court, and are punishable by a fine of up to $500 or a jail term up to 90 days.