Louisiana Statewide Rule
Louisiana Solid Waste and Illegal Dumping Law
Key Facts
- Statutes
- R.S. 30:2531, 30:2531.1
- Gross littering, first offense
- $900 plus up to 30 days
- Max repeat fine
- $10,000
- Weight-based felony
- None
- Solid waste disposal
- Permitted facilities only
Summary
Louisiana R.S. 30:2531 and 30:2531.1 make intentional and gross littering criminal offenses statewide, with fines up to $10,000 for repeat gross littering and a maximum of 30 days in jail. There is no weight-based felony. LDEQ requires solid waste to go to permitted facilities.
§2531.1. Gross littering prohibited; criminal penalties; indemnification A. No person shall intentionally dispose or permit the disposal of any household or office furniture or appliances, automotive parts, including but not limited to tires and engines, trailers, boats and boating accessories, tools and equipment, building materials, roofing nails, and bags or boxes of household or office garbage or refuse upon any public place in the state, upon private property in this state not owned by him, upon property located in rural areas in this state not owned by him, or in or on the waters of this state, whether from a vehicle or otherwise, including but not limited to any public highway, public right-of-way, public park, beach, campground, forest land, recreational area, trailer park, highway, road, street, or alley, except when such property is designated by the state or by any of its agencies or political subdivisions for the disposal of such items and such person is authorized to use such property for such purpose.
Full Breakdown
Under R.S. 30:2531, intentional littering carries a $500 fine plus community service for a first conviction, rising to $2,500 and a one-year license suspension on a third; simple littering is a civil violation ($150, then $900). Gross littering under R.S. 30:2531.1, which covers large or commercial dumping, brings a $900 fine plus community service and up to 30 days in jail on a first offense, escalating to $10,000 for repeat offenders. Louisiana's litter law has no weight-based felony and no multi-year imprisonment. Separately, LDEQ solid waste rules (LAC 33:VII) require construction debris and bulk waste to go to permitted landfills, with civil penalties for illegal disposal.
Violations & Penalties
Gross littering under R.S. 30:2531.1 brings a $900 fine plus community service and up to 30 days in jail, rising to $10,000 for repeat offenders, plus cleanup costs. No felony applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I dump construction debris on my own rural property?
Is illegal dumping a felony in Louisiana?
Sources
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