What is Illegal Dumping?
Illegal dumping refers to the unlawful act of disposing of trash on private or public land where doing so is not permitted. This includes discarding items like appliances, tires, household garbage, construction debris, cars and yard waste. Illegally dumping trash is considered a crime and a threat to public health and safety.
If the dumping occurs anywhere but a location designated for trash disposal, that constitutes illegal dumping.
Littering and illegal dumping are crimes in Texas, and violations may take place at both misdemeanor and felony levels. The fine for illegal dumping in Texas ranges between $10 and $2000. Confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days is also possible.
Read the Health and Safety Code Chapter 365. LITTER to learn more.
Risks
Illegal dumping is the cause of many risks, for our health and our communities:
- It causes blockage of floodways which lead to future flooding events.
- The amount of wastes affects the quality of drinking water which leads to health issues.
- It contaminates lakes, rivers, streams and oceans.
- Wildlife can be harmed.
- Illegal dumping can be a fire hazard.
- It creates breeding/habitat grounds for disease-carrying vectors.
- There is direct exposure to toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes.