The Mystery of the Maine Diaper Dumper

I have always believed that most people are good.

Even though everyone occasionally has a rough day, people try their best to be good members of society.  They mind their manners, hold the door for others, and clean up after themselves.

Of course, this is not always true.

Earlier this week, I heard the story of a person who discards their trash along the side of the road in North Yarmouth.  Throwing away trash is bad enough, but when I heard what this person was throwing away, it made me sick to my stomach.

The Maine diaper dumper

According to an article on the WABI website, the diaper dumper is back.

The 'dumper' has been known to dump soiled adult diapers along Routes 9, 115, and 231 in North Yarmouth.

This is not the first time officials have dealt with this problem.  The article explains that, about five years ago, the problem was so bad that public works people had to clean up the mess two or three times a week.

Probably the craziest thing about the situation is that, despite the frequency at which the diapers are dumped, no one has ever caught the person in the act.  Or if they did, they chose not to report it to law enforcement.

If you know anything that can help police catch the diaper dumper, you can call the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office at 207.893.2819.

Don't feel comfortable talking to someone on the phone?  You can submit tips online here.

When they finally catch the person doing this, I have a feeling it is going to end up being someone in their 80s or 90s.  I am not saying that because of what is being dumped, either.  As the son of a farmer from Aroostook County, I know that it was not uncommon to see the older men of the area throw away things wherever it was convenient.  There were many private garbage dumps tucked away down old farm roads.