Washington County, MD Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing ordinance
- Solid Waste Collection Licensing Ordinance §§2.3.1, 9.1, 9.3
- First-offense civil fine
- Up to $1,000
- Repeat-offense civil fine
- Up to $5,000
- Criminal penalty
- Up to 6 months jail and/or $1,000 fine
- Appeal window
- 30 days to Director of Public Works
Summary
Depositing solid waste anywhere but an approved County acceptance facility is banned under the Solid Waste Collection Licensing Ordinance, with a civil fine up to $1,000 for a first violation, $5,000 for repeats, or a misdemeanor carrying up to 6 months in jail.
2.3.1 No person shall deposit solid waste except in approved solid waste acceptance facilities in accordance with Section 3.0 of this Ordinance and all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations. ... 9.1 Any person who violates any provision of this Ordinance...shall be liable...for a civil fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for the first violation and up to five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) for each subsequent violation. ... 9.3...shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon being found guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction may be fined up to one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisoned for up to six (6) months in the Washington County Detention Center, or both fined and imprisoned.
Full Breakdown
" The official comment to the licensing section notes that "in the event of violations, particularly failure to report or illegal dumping, a license may be suspended or revoked and other penalties sought," tying dumping directly to license discipline for haulers as well as general violators. 1 any violator is liable, on a court finding, for a civil fine of up to $1,000 for a first violation and up to $5,000 for each subsequent violation. 1 penalty, payable within 30 days or appealable first to the Director of Public Works and, within 10 days of that decision, to the County Commissioners, with further appeal to the Circuit Court.
The enabling Code of Public Local Laws § 1-703 separately authorizes the County to regulate or prohibit dumping of garbage, offal, or rubbish that creates conditions dangerous to public health in unincorporated areas.
Violations & Fines
A first dumping violation draws a civil fine up to $1,000; each later violation up to $5,000 (§ 9.1). The same conduct can also be prosecuted as a misdemeanor under § 9.3, punishable by a fine up to $1,000, up to 6 months in the Washington County Detention Center, or both. A hauler's license can also be suspended or revoked for illegal dumping. Notices of violation may be appealed within 30 days to the Director of Public Works, then to the County Commissioners within 10 days, then to Circuit Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dumping trash outside approved sites illegal in Washington County, MD?
How much is the fine for illegal dumping?
Can I appeal a dumping violation notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washington County
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