Unlicensed Hauler Indicted for Illegal Dumping

The Franklin (Ohio) County Grand Jury has indicted Richard Fintak on two counts of illegally operating a solid waste transfer station and one count of open dumping. According to an announcement by the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO), an estimated 20,000 cubic yards of solid waste, construction and demolition debris, roofing and other materials was dumped at the site.

“Unlicensed trash haulers and the sites they use for illegal dumping can breed health hazards for nearby residents and workers,” says Ron Mills, SWACO’s executive director. “It is a shame others have to suffer because of another person’s greed and laziness. The fines, disposal fees, and clean-up costs, as well as the potential jail time could make this a much more expensive proposition for the individual compared to following the law.” It is estimated that it would cost $316,000 to clean up and dispose of the trash from the site.

Fintak faces up to four years in jail and/or as much as $25,000 in fines on each count if he is convicted.