If you live in New York City, you should know there’s a program that allows residents to earn money by helping keep the streets clean. The city offers up to $2,000 to anyone that reports people who throw trash in an illegal way. This includes garbage, construction debris, or other waste. The program is part of a city-wide effort to reduce littering and protect the environment.
Even though the cash reward sounds simple, it works in a step-by-step process. You don’t get the money immediately after reporting someone; the person you report must first be caught, fined, and pay the fine. Only after that can you receive up to $2,000. So, let’s see how this program works in more detail.
How the program works in New York City
The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) encourages residents to submit videos of people who illegally dump trash. Acting DSNY Commissioner Javier Lohan said the city is excited to give residents a way to report trash dumping and help improve the streets.
To make the program more effective, about 300 hidden cameras have already been installed in different places. These cameras have captured many people dumping trash illegally. Since their installation, the city has removed about one million pounds of trash from dump sites. However, officials say the real amount of illegal trash in the city is two or three times higher than what has been collected.
Dumping trash illegally is more than accumulating dirt, it can also be dangerous because some of the trash may contain toxic chemicals or harmful materials. So, by reporting people who dump trash illegally, residents can help protect the environment and public health.
Important aspects to take into account
It’s important to remember that reporting someone doesn’t guarantee the $2,000 reward. If the person challenges the fine in court, you may be required to testify as a witness. Basically, the money is only paid if the fine is confirmed and the offender pays it.
This program is part of a larger effort to make New York City cleaner and safer. Littering is especially a problem when contractors try to avoid paying fees to properly dispose of waste. By allowing residents to report offenders, the city hopes to reduce this illegal activity.
Other financial opportunities for Americans
Apart from this reward, there are other programs that offer money to Americans. For example, there’s a plan so that some people receive a $2,000 tariff rebate. This payment would mainly go to middle- and low-income earners, but it still needs approval from Congress.
Some Social Security recipients may also get a $200 monthly boost as part of a new emergency law. In addition, certain workers might receive a $10,000 “exemplary bonus”. These payments are part of government programs to provide financial support to people across the country.
How tariffs help fund these programs
The U.S. government collects billions of dollars on tariffs every year. For example, in 2025, the monthly collections were:
- January: $8.96 billion
- February: $8.93 billion
- March: $9.61 billion
- April: $17.43 billion
- May: $23.96 billion
- June: $28.02 billion
- July: $29.63 billion
- August: $31.4 billion
- September: $31.3 billion
This money helps fund government programs like rebates, bonuses, and city improvements, including programs that reward residents for reporting illegal dumping.
Basically
Living in New York City gives you the chance to make a real difference while taking care of your community. Imagine the impact: fewer piles of trash, a safer environment, and a potential reward for you. Programs like this show that everyone can play a part in positive change. So next time you see someone littering, don’t ignore it—your action can help transform your city and might even come with a cash reward!