Broome County, NY Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

Chapter 317, Article III, adopted in 1991 as the county's anti-dumping law, exists because the Legislature found that people trying to dodge disposal costs were leaving solid waste along highways, on vacant lots, on business sites, in private dumpsters and other places, which it calls an imminent hazard to public health and safety. Section 317-21 backs that finding with a flat rule: no one may dispose of solid waste in Broome County except at a facility exempted from, or authorized under, 6 NYCRR Part 360, or by order of the Department of Environmental Conservation or a court.

Open dumps are banned outright, with a narrow carve-out for disposal on farm property that doesn't create a public health nuisance. C: a first offense is a violation carrying a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $1,500 and up to 15 days in jail, plus restitution for avoided disposal fees and cleanup and hauling costs; a second or later offense within five years becomes a misdemeanor, punishable by $500 to $2,500 and up to six months in jail. Companies, partnerships or municipalities convicted face $500 to $2,500 regardless of offense count.

The Broome County Security Department and Sheriff's Department enforce the law, each day of a continuing violation counts separately, and collected fines split 50/50 between the county and the municipality where the dumping happened.