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Missouri Statewide Rule

Missouri Solid Waste Management Statewide Framework

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Missouri (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
RSMo 260.205-260.249
City duty
Provide collection
Disposal site
Permitted facilities only
Open dumping
Class A misdemeanor
Civil fine
Up to $1,000/day
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Missouri Revisor of Statutes

Summary

Missouri's Solid Waste Management Law requires every city and county to ensure regular collection and disposal of solid waste and to use only permitted disposal facilities. Cities and counties must adopt plans, but baseline collection and disposal duties are mandated statewide under Chapter 260.

1. Except as provided in subsection 4 of this section, each city and each county or a combination of cities and counties shall provide individually or collectively for the collection and disposal of solid wastes for those areas within its boundaries that are to be served by the solid waste management system; shall be responsible for implementing their approved plan required by section 260.220 as it relates to the storage, collection, transportation, processing, and disposal of their solid wastes; and may purchase all necessary equipment, acquire all necessary land, build any necessary buildings, incinerators, transfer stations, or other structures, lease or otherwise acquire the right to use land or equipment.

Source: Missouri Revisor of StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

RSMo 260.215 requires every city to provide for the collection and disposal of solid waste within its boundaries, and counties must do so for unincorporated areas through participation in solid waste management districts. RSMo 260.205 requires that all solid waste be disposed of only at permitted sanitary landfills or processing facilities licensed by the Department of Natural Resources. Open dumping is prohibited statewide. Haulers must use permitted vehicles and transport only to authorized facilities. Local ordinances supplement these baseline duties but cannot authorize disposal at unpermitted sites.

Violations & Penalties

Open dumping is a class A misdemeanor; subsequent offenses are class E felonies. Civil penalties up to $1,000 per day per RSMo 260.240.

Frequently Asked Questions

Must Missouri cities provide trash collection?
Yes. RSMo 260.215 requires every Missouri city to provide for or arrange the collection and disposal of solid waste within its corporate limits.
Can I dump trash on my own rural property in Missouri?
No. Open dumping is prohibited statewide under RSMo 260.210. All solid waste must go to a permitted sanitary landfill or processing facility.

Sources

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