A new set of eyes in Newark is looking out for illegal dumping.

North Ward residents will be seeing new security cameras at 10 illegal dumping hotspots, such as Third Avenue.

The East Ward already has them. The city acquired these with grant funds - but they aren’t the Flock-brand AI cameras that have become controversial.

“Our cameras have the license plate readers, so it’s very difficult to get away with the crime they’re committing," said Councilman Mike Silva, of Newark's East Ward.

“We’re not looking to invade anyone’s privacy, but we will go after those individuals," said Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr. of Newark's North Ward.

City councilmembers say this is a partnership with the Newark Police Department. Captains in the North and East wards will have access to the cameras and will forward the video to the city-wide illegal dumping task force. It’s an effort to stop situations that have been caught on camera in the East Ward this month. 

“We’ve caught about a half dozen people - most of them from outside the city," said Silva.

“We will have signage at each location letting people know that there are cameras on site," said Ramos. "God willing, that will be a deterrent.”

Newark has service centers to dispose of bulk trash for free in four of the five wards. Still, piles continue to pollute the streets.

“It’s not necessarily a big priority on the police side, but from a neighborhood standpoint, it is a huge quality of life concern," said Ramos.