New Rochelle Dumper Overloads Yonkers Park Trash Bin, Joins Wave of Garbage Arrests

YONKERS, NY (October 11, 2025) — A New Rochelle man who dumped black garbage bags and furniture into a city trash bin at Scotti Park has been hit with fines and a summons, part of a Yonkers Police crackdown that snared two other illegal dumpers and led to vehicle seizures.

The late August incident overwhelmed a Department of Public Works dumpster meant for city use, prompting a joint probe by police and the Yonkers Department of Parks & Recreation that identified the man and impounded his vehicle. The vehicle was later released as he began paying off fines and responding to the summons in lieu of arrest.

The case is one of three recent dumping busts announced Friday by the City of Yonkers and the Yonkers Police Department, following a six-week investigation by Field Intelligence Officers Raffa and Cimadomo from the Crime Control Strategies Division. Two suspects were arrested, while the New Rochelle man received a summons.

Xhevahir Kalaja of an unspecified address was linked to more than 10 dumping incidents, repeatedly unloading full-sized vehicle tires and general garbage from his commercial business into a wooded area of Scotti Park. Arrested Sept. 10 on Yonkers City Code violations, Kalaja faces additional criminal waste disposal charges under New York Codes, Rules & Regulations Law, filed with help from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. His vehicle was impounded that night, and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office will prosecute.

A Mohegan Lake man was caught Oct. 5 dumping commercial garbage on Cumberland Drive and near 1157 Central Park Avenue. Identified through tips from residents, he was arrested in the act and charged with a Yonkers City Code violation. His vehicle was impounded and is being processed for seizure as city property.

“The City of Yonkers will not tolerate illegal dumping. Period,” Mayor Mike Spano said. “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 added, “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.”

Yonkers City Code prohibits dumping debris “in or upon any street, lot, park, public place or other area, whether publicly or privately owned.” A 2012 ordinance pushed by Spano and approved by the City Council raised fines from $500 to a minimum of $5,000 per violation, up to $10,000 in severe cases. Vehicles used in unlawful dumping are impounded immediately and eligible for forfeiture.

Officials warned potential dumpers they face identification, steep fines and regret for not disposing of waste properly. Booking charges are accusations; suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Individuals charged only with violations are not named; only Kalaja, charged with a crime, was identified.

This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.