Maine state law: Illegal dumping

Illegal dumping in Maine is addressed through a layered statutory framework. (1) Littering under 17 MRS § 2264-A — a person commits littering if they intentionally or knowingly dispose of garbage, rubbish, refuse, trash, debris, dead animals, or other solid waste on public or private property without authorization. Small-scale littering (one bag or less, 15 lbs or less) is a civil violation with fines $100-$500. Disposal exceeding 15 lbs or 27 cubic feet is a Class E crime (up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 fine). (2) Open dumping prohibition — 38 MRS § 1319-T provides that 'a person may not engage in open dumping of solid waste,' defining open dumping as disposal at a site not licensed by DEP. Violation is enforced as a civil violation under 38 MRS § 349 with penalties up to $10,000 per day per violation, plus mandatory cleanup orders. (3) Hazardous-waste dumping — under 38 MRS § 1319-J and § 1319-O (Strict liability for hazardous-waste violations), discharging hazardous waste without a license is a Class C crime (felony, up to 5 years) if knowing and a Class D crime (misdemeanor, up to 364 days) if reckless. (4) Waste in waters — under 38 MRS § 420 et seq., discharging garbage or debris into a great pond, river, or tidal water is prohibited and enforceable by DEP with civil penalties up to $25,000 per day under § 349. (5) Highway dumping — 23 MRS § 1801 et seq. provides additional Maine DOT enforcement authority for dumping in highway rights-of-way. (6) Municipal ordinances — many Maine cities and towns layer additional civil-infraction penalties for illegal dumping in city parks, on city streets, in alleys, and at unstaffed transfer stations. Maine's anti-dumping enforcement is conducted by the DEP Compliance and Enforcement Unit, the Maine Warden Service for dumping affecting wildlife habitat (12 MRS), municipal police, and the Maine AG's Environmental Crimes Unit for major hazardous-waste cases. DEP operates the Maine Department of Environmental Protection complaint hotline.

17 MRS § 2264-A: small-scale littering civil violation $100-$500; large-scale (>15 lbs / 27 cu ft) Class E crime — up to 6 months jail and $1,000 fine. 38 MRS § 1319-T open dumping: civil penalty up to $10,000/day plus mandatory cleanup (38 MRS § 349). 38 MRS § 1319-J hazardous waste: Class C crime if knowing (up to 5 years, $5,000 fine), Class D if reckless. Cleanup-cost recovery available under § 1319-O strict liability.