Roadside dumps are ugly and can be a health threat to rural citizens.
Garbage dumped near flowing water can contaminate public water supplies.
Some dumped materials may even filter down to ground water. Increased populations of pests such as rats, skunks, and insects are encouraged by uncontrolled dumps. There are over 184 sites in Oklahoma where the Department of Environmental Quality officially permits disposal of solid waste. Disposal of waste anywhere else is against the law. Most communities in Oklahoma are in compliance with the law.