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DeKalb County, GA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Covers
Public and private property, waters
Exception
Owner/tenant or consent
Exception
Designated disposal sites
Area
Unincorporated DeKalb only

Summary

Dumping, throwing or leaving litter on public or private property in unincorporated DeKalb is unlawful unless it's your own property, a designated disposal site, or a litter receptacle.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of DeKalb County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to dump, deposit, throw, or leave or to cause or permit the dumping, depositing, placing, throwing, or leaving of litter on any public or private property or waters in the unincorporated area of the county, unless: (1) The property is designated by the county for the disposal of litter...; (2) The litter is placed into a litter receptacle or container installed on such property; or (3) The person is the owner or tenant in lawful possession of such property or has first obtained consent.

View official code

Full Breakdown

County Code § 16-29 makes it unlawful to dump, deposit, throw or leave litter, defined broadly to include waste material, refuse, garbage, trash, debris and discarded materials, on any public or private property or waters in the unincorporated county. Exceptions apply only when the property is county-designated for litter disposal, the litter goes into an installed receptacle, or the person is the property owner/tenant or has the owner's consent.

Violations & Fines

Illegal dumping under § 16-29 is enforced by citation into DeKalb's court of competent jurisdiction; the Code cross-references the county's health regulations (Ch. 13) and solid waste rules (Ch. 22) for related enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I dump yard debris on a vacant lot I don't own in unincorporated DeKalb?
No. Section 16-29 bans depositing litter on any property, public or private, unless you're the owner/tenant, have their consent, or it's a county-designated disposal site.
Does this ordinance apply inside Decatur or Stonecrest?
No, it only governs the unincorporated county; incorporated cities like Decatur and Stonecrest enforce their own littering and dumping codes.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in DeKalb County

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions

All DeKalb County rules

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