Question for the DPW.... are people/buildings/landlords actually being fined for illegal dumping or do the items just get picked up and so people are being trained to just leave their junk outside because it will magically disappear?

What is the ideal way to dispose of unwanted furniture, electronics and household goods? In the building where I live, there is a whole fossil record of past tenants in the basement. If you are an undergrad driving a Honda Fit.. how and where are you to take your old IKEA Kerfplumpf when you move out?

What can be done to increase people's awareness that just dumping on the sidewalk is illegal, unsightly and really annoying and what they need to do instead? Especially when they really just don't care.

You have several good questions. Let me try to respond plus provide links that you can follow to find out more information.

1. We can bill for the removal of the items IF and only IF we have proof of who dumped them in the first place. Thus it is important for the community to provide any information surrounding illegal dumping issues when they have it and/or witnessed the actual dumping. If it is connected with an address and tenants moving out, we can also bill the landlord who in turn can recoup costs from former tenant or bill the former tenant directly. We often rely on LCI neighborhood specialists to help in that research process.

2. Disposal can be accomplished in a couple of ways. You, as a tenant living in New Haven, can schedule a Bulk Appointment. This is especially handy when you have a Honda Fit and literally can't fit the items because we will pick up at your address. You can read about that process by following this link to the city website: http://cityofnewhaven.com/PublicWorks/trash/BulkTrash.asp If you read to the end of that page you will also see a flyer on where to donate gently used items.
If your Honda Fit can fit a few items at a time follow this link and read about New Haven's Residential Waste Center http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/PublicWorks/TrashResidentialWaste.asp

3. As for increasing people's awareness and caring there isn't one answer. We try on a daily basis and have set up a variety of ways and programs with other city departments as well but it "takes a village" as well as a resident at a time!

Thanks for asking and "Welcome" since you are "New Around Here"