Town to Install Cameras to Deter Unauthorized Dumping at Burn Pit

MAY 21, 2025 |

Photo – Medicine Bow sign – Bigfoot99 file photo

The governing body of Medicine Bow intends to install security cameras to deter unauthorized dumping in the municipal burn pit.

During the May 12^th Medicine Bow Town Council Meeting, Mayor Justin George introduced a measure to either lock the burn pit or install cameras. Public Works Director Brian Lashley said residents are disposing of prohibited items in the pit, forcing town employees to manually clear the debris. Lashley said he is unsure of the best way to prevent unauthorized dumping, but suggested cameras as a possible solution.

The Medicine Bow municipal burn pit is located at the northern end of Pine Street.

Lashley also said the town could install a lock to keep people out of the burn pit. Residents would be required to pay a deposit to borrow the key, which would be refunded if they didn’t dump prohibited items. However, requiring a key would prevent residents from accessing the burn pit outside of normal town hall hours.

Councilwoman Kristi Wickizer agreed that requiring residents to borrow the key from town hall would prevent them from using the burn pit on the weekends. Public Works Director Lashley responded that without identifying those responsible, the town must cover the cost of removing the unauthorized items itself.

The governing body discussed installing a number keypad lock at the burn pit. However, the idea was quickly abandoned, as residents were likely to share the code, allowing the unauthorized dumping to continue.

Councilman Trevor Strauch proposed using wireless cameras, such as those found in Ring security systems. The cameras would notify the town when someone neared the burn pit, enabling employees to identify those responsible.

The governing body dismissed the idea of using cellular cameras due to their high monthly costs. Instead, Councilwoman Wickizer offered to donate an unopened trail camera to the town.

The motion activated camera does not require a wireless signal, instead storing pictures on an internal memory card.

Mayor Justin George instructed Public Works Director Brian Lashley to install the trail camera at the municipal burn pit and report back on its effectiveness.