News Summary
Birmingham authorities have arrested three men for illegal dumping, strengthening their campaign against littering. Richard Selman, Torrance Nelson Jr., and Bennie Armstrong Jr. face charges of criminal littering after being caught dumping debris in neighborhoods. These arrests coincide with a new city initiative aimed at combatting the rising issue of illegal dumping, encouraging community engagement to maintain cleanliness and safety in public spaces.
Birmingham, Alabama – Three men have been arrested for illegal dumping in Birmingham, reflecting the city’s ongoing efforts to combat littering and maintain community cleanliness. The arrests were made by the Birmingham Police Department’s (BPD) Code Enforcement officers following separate incidents involving debris dumping in the city.
Richard Selman, a 69-year-old man from Leeds, was apprehended after a citizen reported him dumping debris on the side of a roadway in the South Eastlake neighborhood. Following an investigation, the BPD identified Selman as the suspect, who later voluntarily surrendered to the police. He has been charged with criminal littering.
In addition to Selman, 47-year-old Torrance Nelson Jr. from Birmingham and 62-year-old Bennie Armstrong Jr. from Center Point were also arrested for similar offenses. On March 17, both men were observed dumping debris along the 2600 block of 4th Street North. The Code Enforcement officers subsequently obtained arrest warrants for Nelson and Armstrong, leading to their arrests on March 21. Like Selman, both have been charged with criminal littering.
The recent arrests coincide with a new campaign launched by the City of Birmingham aimed at addressing the problem of illegal dumping. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to engage the community in keeping neighborhoods safe and clean. The BPD has reiterated its commitment to collaborating with local partners and maintaining the cleanliness of Birmingham’s public spaces.
Illegal dumping not only poses environmental risks but also adversely affects the aesthetic and social fabric of communities. The city has seen a rise in illegal dumping incidents, prompting officials to take stronger measures against those responsible. The BPD’s Code Enforcement Division plays a critical role in monitoring and responding to illegal dumping incidents, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance in reporting such activities.
According to data from Birmingham’s recent community engagement efforts, public reports of illegal dumping have increased, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and prompt action against violators. The city encourages residents to report any suspicious dumping activities to help maintain a cleaner environment.
The growing issue of illegal dumping has been recognized as a significant concern across urban centers nationwide, including Birmingham. City officials are committed to implementing educational programs and resources that inform citizens on the environmental impacts of littering and the legal consequences of illegal dumping.
Residents are urged to take part in the city’s cleanup efforts and report illegal dumping incidents to help foster a cleaner and more sustainable community. The Birmingham Police Department remains dedicated to addressing illegal dumping while promoting community participation in these initiatives.
The recent arrests serve as a reminder of the city’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal dumping, showcasing the collaborative efforts between law enforcement and the community in preserving the integrity of Birmingham’s neighborhoods.
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Additional Resources
- WBRC: Man Arrested by Birmingham Police for Illegal Dumping
- Wikipedia: Illegal Dumping
- ABC 3340: Leeds Man Arrested for Illegal Dumping
- Google Search: Illegal Dumping Birmingham
- CBS 42: 2 Arrested for Alleged Illegal Dumping in Birmingham
- Google Scholar: Illegal Dumping
- WBRC: Video Highlights Illegal Dumping Concerns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Illegal Dumping
- ABC 3340: Alabama Communities Intensify Crackdown on Illegal Dumping
- Google News: Illegal Dumping Birmingham

Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.


