About
Illegal dumping is the improper disposal of waste at any location other than a permitted landfill or special facility. It's against the law and can pose serious threats to our rivers, creeks and the overall environment.
It typically happens in open areas such as fields or empty lots, abandoned industrial sites, along rural roads, in wooded areas, near creeks or lakes, in alleys, along railroads and near storm drains or other drainage inlets in neighborhoods. Illegal dumping often happens late at night while people are asleep so as to avoid detection.
Examples of Illegally Dumped Waste
- construction and demolition debris (drywall, shingles, lumber, bricks, concrete, siding)
- large appliances
- abandoned vehicles, automobile parts and tires
- old, used or soiled furniture
- leaf and grass clippings
- household garbage
- medical waste
- household hazardous waste products (cleaners, paint, motor oil, asbestos)
Possible Reasons for Illegal Dumping
Illegal dumpers may not be aware that what they're doing is illegal, or they may be trying to avoid costs and steps associated with proper disposal. Some will illegally dump materials in places where other dumping has previously happened.
Sometimes, property owners will even try to earn some profit for themselves by charging others to dump on their properties, which is also illegal. Illegal dumping can also happen following clearing of properties for development - the owners may transfer clearing debris such as rocks, wood or earth to fill low areas on their property without getting required permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is illegal dumping?
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Illegal dumping is the improper disposal of waste at any location other than a permitted landfill or special facility. It's against the law and can threaten rivers, creeks and the environment. It often occurs in open areas like fields or empty lots, abandoned industrial sites, rural roads, wooded areas, near creeks or lakes, in alleys, along railroads and near storm drains or other neighborhood drainage inlets. Dumping frequently happens late at night to avoid detection.
- What kinds of things are illegally dumped?
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- Construction and demolition debris (drywall, shingles, lumber, bricks, concrete, siding)
- Large appliances
- Abandoned vehicles, automobile parts and tires
- Old, used or soiled furniture
- Leaf and grass clippings
- Household garbage
- Medical waste
- Household hazardous waste products (cleaners, paint, motor oil, asbestos, etc.)
- Why do they dump these things illegally if it's against the law?
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Dumpers may not know it's illegal, or they may be trying to avoid the costs and steps required for proper disposal. Some choose places where dumping has happened before. At times, property owners try to profit by charging others to dump on their land, which is also illegal. Illegal dumping can also occur during property clearing for development when debris such as rocks, wood or soil is moved to low areas without required permits.