Officials in Point Pleasant Borough are adamant about keeping their trash.

The borough is considering raising the fine for stealing garbage by 20 times in an effort to curb people scavenging for scrap metal. The law is on the borough side, as technically trash belongs to the town once it's been put out to the curb.

Officials want to raise the fine to $2,000 from $100. They're also looking to add community service as an additional penalty.

Scrap metal's value has gone up to about $13 for 100 pounds due to the commodity's supply and demand. Point Pleasant has made $17,000 this year from salvaging scrap metal.

That money is used to offset taxes, and officials think they can double their total by prosecuting metal thieves.

Ten people have been fined in Point Pleasant this year. According to the recycling coordinator, the competition for scrap metal has gotten so fierce that some offenders have resorted to stealing manhole and sewer covers.