Discarded construction and remodeling waste, such as this old hot tub, are being illegally dumped in parts of Denver. (Craig F. Walker, The Denver Post)

Denver City Council on Monday gave initial approval to changing the public nuisance ordinance to strengthen the penalties for illegal dumping in the city.

Denver says it received nearly 4,500 complaints of illegal dumping last year and spent about $250,000 cleaning up the mess. The change to the law would allow police to confiscate vehicles used in the act of dumping.

The final vote on the ordinance change is scheduled for next week.