Paddock Lake officials have drastically increased the penalty for being caught dumping trash in the village.
A new ordinance, passed unanimously Sept. 16, sets a first violation fine of $500 and a second violation fine of $5,000.
Over the last few years, the village has established yard waste disposal facilities for residents. While convenient for residents looking to get rid of branches or leaves, the sites have also become a target for people dumping all sorts of material including unwanted electronics and potentially hazardous material, village administrator Tim Popanda said
Such large fines are justified not just as punishment but also because the village could face considerable prosecution and clean-up costs depending on what was dumped, Popanda said