Since taxpayers are more often than not on the hook for cleanup costs, those found guilty of dumping would be liable to the owner of the property where they left their trash for three times the cost of damages, cleanup and other fees.
State officials say a boat, contractor debris and a box spring and mattress were among the items that were illegally dumped in New Jersey state parks and lands.
In an effort to crackdown on illegal dumping in state parks and natural lands, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has launched a year-long pilot program, "Don't Waste Our Open Space," which combines enforcement and education to combat the problem.
A New Jersey recycling company has agreed to pay a $500,000 fine for helping to illegally dump more than 8,000 tons of construction debris at a farm in upstate New York.