Viral video shows Oakland streets devastated by discarded tires – NBC Bay Area

A viral video showing tires being dumped in a residential Oakland neighborhood is shining a light on the larger problem of illegal dumping across the city. City officials are implementing new strategies to catch the illegal dumpers, but some residents aren't too hopeful.

Ansel Troy is known for documenting Oakland's widespread illegal dumping problems on his X account under the username @EastOaklandDad. Last week, he came across a scene of stacks of tires being illegally dumped on a sidewalk in the Fruitvale neighborhood.

He posted the video to his X account, which included a conversation with the man who allegedly dumped the tires in the neighborhood. “When I came and saw this mountain of tires, I thought, 'Woah, I have to take that in.'”

The video went viral and last week city workers removed the tires from the neighborhood. However, Troy says tire dumping has been an ongoing problem for months.

“It's a big enforcement issue because we don't have anyone actively pursuing these illegal dumpers with law enforcement,” Troy said.

“You come home from work and the last thing you want to see is a road full of tires,” said Bernard Martin of Oakland.

Growing concern among residents is a big reason the city is taking action to address the problem.

“Illegal dumping is simply out of control throughout the city,” said Councilman Noel Gallo.

Gallo says the city is expanding its surveillance camera program for illegal dumping and the City Council has agreed to purchase 60 additional surveillance cameras to be installed in hot spots where illegal dumping will occur. The cameras will be able to track license plates. Violators can face fines of up to $1,500.

“We just want to do the installation. We have some of the hotspots, we just need to eliminate them,” Gallo said.

Gallo did not provide an exact timeline for when the new cameras will be operational, but did mention that one would be installed along Prentiss St., where this incident occurred.

As for Troy, he believes the illegal dumpers will find a way to avoid getting caught, even with the cameras present.

“In the city of Oakland, a lot of these illegal dumpers just take off their license plate, and you don't know who to tie it to unless you dig through it and find a receipt, a piece of mail, or something like that. said Troy.