Pennsylvania's scattering-rubbish law (18 Pa.C.S. §6501) makes it a summary offense to dump waste on roads, others' land, or state waters, with a $50–$300 fine and litter cleanup for a first offense. The Berks Solid Waste Authority cites illegal dumpers via video surveillance in Leesport.
Illegal dumping is a Pennsylvania state crime under 18 Pa.C.S. §6501 (scattering rubbish), applied statewide including throughout Berks County. It bars depositing waste paper, ashes, household waste, glass, metal, refuse, or rubbish onto roads, alleys, railroad rights-of-way, another's land, or Commonwealth waters, and bars disturbing others' trash receptacles. A first offense under (a)(1) or (a)(2) is a summary offense; commercial haulers who dump loads (a)(3) face second-degree misdemeanor charges up to $5,000. The Berks County Solid Waste Authority keeps its Leesport recycling center under video surveillance and cites illegal dumpers. Enforcement also involves municipal police and PA authorities.
First offense (a)(1)/(a)(2): summary offense, $50–$300 fine plus 5–30 hours litter pickup, or up to 90 days jail. Repeat: third-degree misdemeanor, $300–$1,000. Commercial dumping: up to $5,000+ and vehicle forfeiture.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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Backyard composting is legal and encouraged in Berks County. No county permit is needed for a home compost pile. Nuisance limits (odor, rodents) and setbacks...
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Berks County does not regulate artificial turf. Whether synthetic lawn is allowed, and any stormwater or impervious-surface conditions, are set by your munic...
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Berks County does not regulate native-plant or meadow landscaping. Whether a wildflower meadow is allowed — versus a tall-grass violation — depends on your m...
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Rain barrels and cisterns are legal in Berks County — Pennsylvania places no restriction on collecting rainwater. The county encourages it as a stormwater be...
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Berks County sets no routine watering schedule. Statewide, when the Governor declares a drought emergency, 4 Pa. Code §119.4 bans nonessential outdoor water ...
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Berks County has no countywide weed ordinance. Noxious-weed and tall-vegetation rules are municipal — in Reading, weeds (with grass) must stay under 6 inches...
See how Berks County's illegal dumping rules stack up against other locations.
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