Cook County, IL Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum fine
- $300 per violation
- Maximum fine
- $10,000 per violation
- Continuing violation
- Each day a separate offense
- Vehicle owner liability
- Jointly liable with operator
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Environment and Sustainability
Summary
Cook County Code § 30-778 makes open dumping of waste and abandoning waste on public property a public nuisance across the County, with violators facing fines under § 30-131 from $300 to $10,000 per offense.
A person will be found to have engaged in a public nuisance that is injurious to public health and in violation of this Article...by:(1)Causing or allowing the open dumping of any waste;(2)Abandoning or disposing of any waste upon public property, except in a sanitary landfill approved by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency;...(4)Failure of any owner, occupant, agent, or person in possession or control of any residence or business or lot or unimproved parcel of real estate to remove or cause to be removed any waste located on any such residence or place of business or lot...
Full Breakdown
Under Cook County Code § 30-778, causing or allowing open dumping of waste, abandoning waste on public property outside a licensed sanitary landfill, or failing as an owner, occupant, or agent to remove waste from a residence, business, or vacant lot is a public nuisance violation. Section 30-131 sets fines of not less than $300 and up to $10,000 per violation, and a separate offense is counted for each day a violation or failure to comply continues after notice. The registered owner of a vehicle used in the dumping is jointly and severally liable with whoever operated it. The Department of Environment and Sustainability enforces the article and can also order cessation and abatement under § 30-136.
Violations & Fines
Fines run $300 to $10,000 per violation, with each day of continued dumping or unremoved waste a separate offense; vehicle owners share liability with operators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this Cook County dumping ordinance apply in Chicago?
What counts as illegal dumping under Cook County's code?
Who is liable if a vehicle was used to dump waste?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cook County
Compare Cook County to another location·View the Illinois trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.