How to Report
Illegal dumping is a crime and should be reported. If you see a dumpsite:
Within City Limits
- Report by Phone
- Call 3-1-1 or 210-207-6000.
- Report with the 311 Mobile App
- Download the free 311 app to submit illegal dumping reports from your phone. You can include details and upload photos directly from the scene.
Outside City Limits
Call 210-335-6700 to report illegal dumping in Bexar County.
About Illegal Dumping
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.