BOSTON -- The state Department of Environmental Protection launched the Candid Camera Initiative two years ago, and the hidden camera approach is proving to be very effective.

NewsCenter 5's Amalia Barreda reported that construction debris from a home renovation project was dumped where it says no dumping on land owned by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation.

DEP officials said that Thomas W. Cash, of Lynn, was caught by the department's Candid Camera Initiative. A second camera got a shot of his license plate as he drove by, officials said.

"DEP has worked with communities around the state to put low-cost cameras up -- technology to start catching people who are dumping things illegally in public spaces," DEP Secretary Ian Bowles said.

"They're all covert and hidden at these chronic dumping areas. And the intent is to really solve some of these hot spots," said Timothy Dame, of the Environmental Strike Force.

Officials first installed tiny cameras at problem dumping sites in Boston and Lawrence. The program was so successful that more than 30 communities around the state have asked to be included.

"The ones in Boston and Lawrence were quite severe and have been a problem for years. Having success there, a lot of these sites have stayed clean which is a positive outcome," Dame said.

Cash could not be reached for comment, but he was fined $4,000 and has been ordered to lawfully remove his trash.

Environmental officials said most cities and towns will help people dispose of difficult materials. All they have to do is call their local department of public works -- a much better solution than getting caught on a candid camera.