Brunswick County, NC Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Code § 1-11-26(1)
- 1st offense fine
- $100.00 per individual
- 2nd offense fine
- $200.00 per individual
- 3rd+ offense fine
- $400.00 per individual
- Extra penalty
- 3x landfill tip fee + $100
- Open dump remedy
- Notice recorded with register of deeds
Summary
Brunswick County, North Carolina makes it unlawful to use an unpermitted dump site for solid waste in the unincorporated county, and backs it with escalating fines: $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second, and $400 for every offense after that, per person.
It shall be unlawful for any responsible person to encroach on the rights of others through the neglect of property by: Using or allowing others to use an unpermitted dump site for disposal of solid waste. ... The citations so issued to this provision of this section shall specify a fine in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100.00) for the first offense for each individual, two hundred dollars ($200.00) for the second offense for each individual, and four hundred dollars ($400.00) for each subsequent offense for each individual.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 1-11-26 of the Brunswick County Code, Neglect of Property and Unlawful Deposits, makes it unlawful for any responsible person to encroach on the rights of others through the neglect of property, including by using or allowing others to use an unpermitted dump site for disposal of solid waste (subsection (1)), letting unsightly litter, junk, or foul odor remain in public view or view from adjoining property (subsection (2)), or running a junkyard or salvage yard without zoning authorization (subsection (3)). Sec. 1-11-9(b) separately bars depositing solid waste anywhere other than the county landfill, an authorized convenience site, or a permitted construction and demolition landfill.
When the county finds an open dump, Sec. S. 130A-301(f), until the waste is removed and the notice is cancelled. 00. These are county rules for unincorporated Brunswick County; incorporated towns like Leland and Oak Island enforce dumping violations under their own codes.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 1-11-88(6) sets citation fines for violating solid waste collection and disposal rules, including unpermitted dumping, at $100.00 for a first offense, $200.00 for a second, and $400.00 for each subsequent offense, per individual. A violator who doesn't respond to a citation faces a criminal complaint and an arrest warrant under Sec. 1-11-87, and repeat or unresolved open dumps can result in a recorded Notice of Open Dump against the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as illegal dumping in unincorporated Brunswick County?
How much is the fine for illegal dumping in Brunswick County?
Can the county put a notice on my property for an open dump?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brunswick County
Compare Brunswick County to another location·View the North Carolina trash & recycling overview
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