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Dakota County, MN Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

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

Key Facts

County rule
Ordinance 110, Sec. 3.01(E)
State law
Minn. Stat. 609.68 littering
State penalty
Petty misdemeanor (litter)
Scavenging
Also prohibited (Sec. 3.01D)
Report to
County Environmental Resources

Summary

Illegal dumping is prohibited by Dakota County Ordinance 110 and Minnesota law. Ordinance 110 bars disposing of solid waste anywhere except a county-licensed facility. Under Minn. Stat. 609.68, unlawfully depositing garbage or litter on public or others' private land is a petty misdemeanor.

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

Unless otherwise provided in this ordinance, no person shall, within Dakota County: Intentionally dispose of any solid waste except at a solid waste facility licensed by the county.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Dumping trash, debris, appliances, tires, or yard waste on public land, roadsides, or property you don't own is illegal. Dakota County Ordinance 110, Section 3.01(E), states that no person may intentionally dispose of any solid waste except at a county-licensed solid waste facility, and may not use land they control for disposal without a license. The ordinance also prohibits scavenging of recyclables set out for collection. Statewide, Minn. Stat. 609.68 makes it a petty misdemeanor to unlawfully deposit garbage, rubbish, or other litter on public highways, waters, public land, or - without consent - private land. Report illegal dumping to the Dakota County Environmental Resources Department or the local sheriff/police.

Violations & Fines

Ordinance 110 violations are misdemeanors (Sec. 2242), citation per day. Unlawful deposit of litter under Minn. Stat. 609.68 is a petty misdemeanor; larger dumping can be charged as a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is illegal dumping a crime in Dakota County?
Yes. Ordinance 110 bars disposing of solid waste anywhere but a county-licensed facility, and Minn. Stat. 609.68 makes unlawfully depositing litter on public or others' land a petty misdemeanor.
Can I take recyclables from someone's curb?
No. Ordinance 110 Sec. 3.01(D) prohibits scavenging - it is unlawful for anyone but the resident's hauler or the county to remove recyclables set out for collection.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Dakota County

Collection ScheduleLight RestrictionsBulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsRecycling RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsMandatory Organics RecyclingSignificant RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: CompostingSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Weed OrdinancesSome Restrictions

All Dakota County rules

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