Mississippi Statewide Rule

Mississippi Solid Waste Disposal and Illegal Dumping Law

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Mississippi (2026)

Key Facts

Main statute: Miss. Code 17-17-1 et seq.
Dumping penalty: Section 97-15-29
Tire rules: Section 17-17-401
Regulator: MDEQ
County duty: Provide collection service

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Justia Law

Summary

Mississippi prohibits illegal dumping and regulates solid waste disposal statewide under Title 17 Chapter 17, requiring proper disposal at permitted facilities and imposing significant fines for violations of the Solid Wastes Disposal Law.

The formation of unauthorized dumps is hereby declared to be a public nuisance per se, menacing public health and unlawful, and any person who forms an unauthorized dump shall be punished as provided in Section 17-17-29. Existing dumps shall be eliminated by removal or on-site burial.

Source: Justia LawView official code

Full Breakdown

Under the Mississippi Solid Wastes Disposal Law, Miss. Code Ann. Sections 17-17-1 through 17-17-69, all garbage, rubbish, bulky waste, appliances, tires, and construction debris must be disposed of at permitted landfills, transfer stations, or recycling centers. Counties are required to provide or contract for collection and disposal services. Illegal dumping (also called littering of bulky items) is a separate offense under Section 97-15-29 and 17-17-503. The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) permits disposal facilities and enforces regulations. Tire disposal is further regulated under Section 17-17-401 et seq., requiring use of permitted scrap tire facilities and prohibiting open dumping or burning of tires.

Violations & Penalties

Illegal dumping of bulky waste can result in fines from $250 to $50,000 depending on quantity, plus cleanup costs, vehicle forfeiture for repeat offenders, and potential felony charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I legally dispose of bulky items in Mississippi?

Bulky items must be taken to a county-operated convenience center, permitted transfer station, or permitted landfill. Many counties hold periodic free bulky waste collection events.

What are the penalties for illegal dumping?

Penalties scale with the volume dumped, ranging from $250 for small loads to $50,000 plus cleanup costs and possible vehicle forfeiture for large or repeat commercial dumping under Section 17-17-501 et seq.

Can I burn or bury tires on my property?

No. Mississippi law specifically prohibits open burning, burying, or unpermitted storage of waste tires; they must be taken to a permitted scrap tire processor.

Sources

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