Mississippi Solid Waste Disposal and Illegal Dumping Law

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.

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.