Anne Arundel County, MD Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- First violation
- $250 civil fine
- Second violation
- $750 civil fine
- Third+ violation
- $1,000 civil fine
- Governing law
- Anne Arundel County Code § 9-1-703
- Applies to
- public and private property countywide
Summary
Dumping litter, trash, or debris on public or private property in Anne Arundel County draws civil fines of $250, $750, and $1,000 for first, second, and third violations under the county's littering law.
(b) Prohibitions. A person may not: ... (2) dispose of or cause to allow the disposal of litter on public or private property unless: ... (ii) the litter is placed into a garbage or solid waste receptacle or container on the property. (c) Violations. A person who violates any provision of this section is subject to: (1) a civil fine in the amount of $250 for the first violation, $750 for the second violation, and $1,000 for the third or any subsequent violation...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-93: County Code is current through May, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Anne Arundel County Code § 9-1-703 bars disposing of litter, which includes trash, debris, and garbage, on any County road or on public or private property unless the property is a designated disposal site or the material goes into a proper garbage or solid waste receptacle. This is the county's governing anti-dumping rule for unincorporated communities like Glen Burnie and Severna Park as well as the rest of the county; a first violation carries a $250 civil fine, a second $750, and a third or later violation $1,000, layered on top of any penalties under the state Criminal Law Article.
Violations & Fines
First offense: $250 civil fine. Second offense: $750. Third or subsequent offense: $1,000. Enforced by the county alongside possible state Criminal Law Article penalties for littering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is illegal dumping a crime in Anne Arundel County?
Does this rule apply in Glen Burnie or Severna Park?
Where can dumped litter legally go?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anne Arundel County
Compare Anne Arundel County to another location·View the Maryland trash & recycling overview
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