Illegal Dumping is a Crime

Did you know that dumping discarded items and trash in places other than the trashcan or recycling cart is illegal? That means if you leave your trash on the side of the road, out in nature, in an alley, a vacant lot, or even just your front lawn––you are breaking the law and committing a crime.

Some common examples you might find at a dump site are tires, household trash, mattresses, furniture, and electronicsthat contain toxic chemicals. 

If you or someone you know is dumping waste, it is important to know all the consequences. 

1. You can be reported to authorities and fined for committing this crime.

2. Illegal dumpsites cause public health issues, decrease the property value of your neighborhood, and cost taxpayers’ money.

3. Illegal dumping is harmful to the environment due to the contamination of rivers and lakes that affect the safety of our drinking water.

4. Dumpsites can contaminate soil and cause the ground to become infertile, which affects our farming communities and supply of local produce.

5. Wildlife can also be harmed if they ingest foreign objects. Dumpsites also attract wildlife that is not native to the area. 

This is why reporting illegal dumping is so important. If you know of a dumpsite, or see someone dumping their trash, please go to ReportDumping.com. At this website, you can remain anonymous and fill out all known information about the illegal dump. After submitting the form, proper action will be taken to clean up the site and authorities will be able to take legal action against the person committing the crime. Please know that any information you provide on this website is kept strictly confidential!