Standing in front of a pile of debris near a street in West Baltimore, Mayor Martin O'Malley launched a reward program yesterday to help curb illegal dumping.

"One person's trash is another person's cash," O'Malley said, announcing the launch of the campaign to target grime.

Anyone who spots someone illegally dumping trash should immediately call 911, O'Malley said. If they find a pile of debris that has been dumped, they should call 311, the mayor said.

People who provide tips-- the more detail, the better -- will be eligible for a $100 cash reward if the information leads to an arrest, O'Malley said.

Officials said the rewards will be offered only in cases involving at least 100 pounds of garbage and are not meant for those reporting neighbors for dumping small amounts of trash.

City officials said that removing illegal piles of debris will help people feel better about their neighborhoods and reduce crime. Drug dealers often dump trash in alleys to prevent police from sneaking up on them.

"This has a lot to do with what we are doing to combat the drug trade," the mayor said.

The campaign is being funded by a $50,000 grant from the Abell Foundation and a $10,000 grant from the Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition. Clear Channel Media has donated 14 billboards, and Metro Networks will air radio public service messages to publicize the reward program.