Palmer junk hauler cited for dumping over 500 pounds of trash on Mat-Su land

A Palmer man, 21, was cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers after his junk removal business dumped more than 500 pounds of remodel debris onto a Point MacKenzie railbed instead of the landfill, according to trooper dispatch AK26095996.

The pile, found on public land owned by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, included tires, a vehicle battery, paint cans, furniture and other trash. Troopers said the debris came from a house being remodeled. After troopers interviewed him, he returned, cleaned up the site and properly disposed of the trash. Troopers issued the citation on Sept. 26.

He was cited for littering and illegal dumping and is scheduled to appear in Palmer District Court on Oct. 7, facing a fine of up to $1,000 under AS 46.06.080. The weight is what sets that ceiling: under the same law, littering of five pounds or less is a minor violation with a $50 fine. The court may also order an offender to clean up litter, which he has already done. The charge is an accusation, and he is presumed innocent.