Yonkers Police Make Multiple Dumping Arrests
Originally posted by the City of Yonkers
The City of Yonkers and the Yonkers Police Department are announcing several recent dumping arrests of individuals who found out the hard way that Yonkers is the wrong city to dump their garbage.
A 6-week investigation by Field Intelligence Officers Raffa and Cimadomo from our Crime Control Strategies Division resulted in the identification of three dumpers; two were arrested, and one was issued a summons for their actions.
Xhevahir Kalaja was responsible for over 10 dumping incidents. He repeatedly dumped full-sized vehicle tires and general garbage from his commercial business into the wooded area of Scotti Park. With the assistance of the Yonkers Department of Parks & Recreation, Kalaja was identified and later arrested on September 10, 2025, for violating Yonkers City Code. Working with our partners at the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, we filed criminal waste disposal charges under the New York Codes, Rules & Regulations Law. His vehicle was impounded that evening. The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office will be prosecuting this case.
A man from Mohegan Lake dumped commercial garbage on Cumberland Drive and in the area of 1157 Central Park Avenue. After gathering important information from area residents, he was identified and arrested on October 5, 2025, when our Field Intelligence Officers caught him in the act. He was charged with a violation of Yonkers City Code. His vehicle has been impounded and is in the process of being seized to become city property.
In late August, a New Rochelle man dumped several black garbage bags and furniture into a City of Yonkers DPW dumpster at Scotti Park, overwhelming the dumpster intended for city use. Again, with the assistance of the Yonkers Department of Parks and Recreation, he was identified and issued a summons in lieu of arrest. His vehicle was impounded and later released- he’s currently paying off fines and answering those summonses.
“The City of Yonkers will not tolerate illegal dumping. Period,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “The act of dumping is not only a health and environmental hazard, it is offensive to everyone who lives and works in our city. Thank you to our Police, Parks Department, and our vigilant residents who assisted in identifying those who disrespect our city.”
Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza stated, “Dumping in Yonkers will cost you. This is not a crime that our Officers or Detectives will overlook. All dumping incidents will be investigated; we will find you, and you will be punished to the fullest extent of the law, which may include us seizing your vehicle.”
According to Yonkers City Code, it is illegal to dump debris “in or upon any street, lot, park, public place or other area, whether publicly or privately owned.” Under an ordinance sought after by Mayor Spano and passed by the City Council in 2012, fines for illegal dumping increased from $500 to a minimum of $5,000 per violation, and as much as $10,000 in the most severe cases. Additionally, vehicles that unlawfully dump are impounded immediately and subject to forfeiture proceedings.
Dumpers, be warned- you will be identified, you will pay hefty fines, and you will wish you had just thrown your garbage out as you were supposed to.
Note: Booking charges are merely accusations; suspects are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Individuals charged only with violations will not be identified by name; the sole suspect identified by name in this release was charged with a crime.
