Buffalo, NY Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Fine for illegal dumping
- $2,200 per conviction
- Informant reward
- $1,100 for information leading to arrest and conviction
- Reward claim deadline
- 90 days after conviction
- Liability
- Owner, operator, registrant, and occupants of vehicle jointly and severally liable
- Prohibited locations
- Streets, sidewalks, rights-of-way, public parks, public places, and private property without consent
Summary
It is illegal to dump, deposit, or litter any waste on Buffalo streets, sidewalks, public parks, or private property without the owner's consent. Conviction carries a $2,200 fine; a $1,100 reward is offered for information leading to arrest and conviction.
§ 216-9(A): No person shall place, deposit, leave, litter, throw, cast or dump or cause to be placed, deposited, left, littered, thrown, cast or dumped or permit any servant, agent, employee or other person under his control to place, deposit, leave, litter, throw, cast or dump any waste of any kind on any street, sidewalk or right-of-way (including the curbline), public park, public place or any real property or premises within the City of Buffalo without the lawful consent of the owner or lawful consent of the occupant in possession thereof.
§ 216-10: A reward of $1,100 is hereby offered to the person or persons who furnish information leading to the apprehension, arrest and conviction of anyone found guilty of illegal dumping within the City of Buffalo as set out in this chapter. All claims for such reward must be made to the City of Buffalo within 90 days after the conviction of any such person or persons.
§ 216-11: Any person convicted of illegal dumping within the City of Buffalo shall be subject to a fine of $2,200 as prescribed in Chapter 137, Article I, of this Code.
Full Breakdown
Buffalo Code § 216-9 prohibits any person from placing, depositing, leaving, littering, throwing, casting, or dumping waste on any public or private property without lawful consent. Under § 216-9B, the owner, operator, registrant, and all occupants of a vehicle involved in the dumping are jointly and severally liable. A $1,100 reward is available under § 216-10 for information leading to conviction, with claims due within 90 days. Conviction results in a $2,200 fine per § 216-11.
Violations & Fines
$2,200 fine upon conviction for illegal dumping. Owner, operator, registrant, and occupants of vehicle used in dumping are jointly and severally liable. A $1,100 informant reward is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fine for illegal dumping in Buffalo?
Is there a reward for reporting illegal dumpers?
Can I be held responsible if someone uses my vehicle to dump illegally?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buffalo
New York rules heatmap·Compare Buffalo to another location·View the New York trash & recycling overview
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