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

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Illegal dumping
Misdemeanor (Sec. 62-30.1, 62-30.6)
Fine
Up to $1,000 / 6 months
Court may order
Cleanup, cost reimbursement
Scrap tires
Separately banned (Sec. 62-304)
State law
O.C.G.A. Sec. 16-7-43

Summary

Clayton County's Litter Control Code (Sec. 62-30.1) makes it unlawful to dump or leave litter on any public or private property or waters in the unincorporated county without authorization. Scrap-tire dumping is separately banned (Sec. 62-304). Violations are misdemeanors with cleanup orders.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Clayton 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 litter or to cause or permit the dumping, depositing, placing or throwing, or leaving of litter on any public or private property or waters in the unincorporated areas of the county.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 104).

Full Breakdown

Under Code of Clayton County Sec. 62-30.1(a), it is unlawful to dump, deposit, throw, or leave litter (or cause or permit it) on any public or private property or waters in the unincorporated county unless the site is a designated disposal area, the litter goes into a proper receptacle, or the person owns or has the owner's consent. 'Public property' includes roads, rights-of-way, waters, parks, and county land; 'private property' includes residential, farm, commercial, and business land. Vehicle loads must be covered and secured to prevent litter (Sec. 62-30.2). Dumping scrap tires anywhere in the county is separately prohibited unless done by an EPD-permitted processor (Sec. 62-304). Georgia's littering statute (O.C.G.A. Sec. 16-7-43) also applies.

Violations & Fines

Littering violations are misdemeanors under Sec. 62-30.6, punishable per Sec. 1-12 by up to a $1,000 fine or six months in jail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for illegal dumping in Clayton County?
It is a misdemeanor under Sec. 62-30.6, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine or six months in jail; the court can also order you to reimburse cleanup costs and pick up litter.
Can I dump old tires on a vacant lot?
No. Sec. 62-304 makes it unlawful to dump scrap tires anywhere in the county unless you are an EPD-approved processor. It is enforced by the Clayton County Police Department.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clayton County

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsBulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Clayton County rules

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