ENVS Public Research Talk: Illegal dumping in SJ, Katherine Cushing, WED 10/5,1:30 PM WSQ111

[Rachel O'Malley]

Please post, forward, announce in classes, and join the Department of Environmental Studies at San José State University

for a public research presentation:

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5,  1:30 – 2:45 PM, Washington Square Hall 111​

​Katherine Cushing, Ph.D., Professor

​,

Department of Environmental Studies, San José State University

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There's an App for That: Characterizing the Illegal Dumping Problem in San José, California

 The City of San José, California has experienced an increase in both the frequency and volume of illegal dumping in recent years. Since 2012, incidences of illegal dumping on public property have increased 50%, while the amount of illegally dumped materials has increased by 75%.

This talk focuses on innovative methodological approaches and the initial findings of a joint city-community-university investigation aimed at understanding what items are being dumped, where they are being discarded, and what potential solutions might be. This effort was organized by CommUniverCity, an award-winning 'town and gown' partnership that engages underserved, largely immigrant neighborhoods to collaborate with San José State University faculty and students in addressing community-identified priorities.

Unique aspects of the project include conducting assessments of illegal dumping incidences using a geospatial smart phone application called Terraflex and the creation of neighborhood-specific community engagement strategies focused on the unique characteristics of illegal dumping found in three ‘hot spot’ areas.

L I G H T  R E F R E S H M E N T S  P R O V I D E D .              A L L  A R E  W E L C O M E .