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Prince William County, VA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

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

Key Facts

Primary statute
Va. Code 33.2-802
Jail
Up to 12 months
Fine range
$500 to $2,500
Community service
Min. 10 hours possible
Private-property cleanup
Va. Code 15.2-901 abatement

Summary

Dumping trash, garbage, refuse, or litter on public rights-of-way or on private property without the owner's written consent is a Virginia crime. Under Va. Code 33.2-802, it is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of $500 to $2,500.

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

It is unlawful for any person to dump or otherwise dispose of trash, garbage, refuse, litter, a companion animal as defined in § 3.2-6500 for the purpose of disposal, or other unsightly matter on (i) public property, including a public highway, right-of-way, or property adjacent to such highway or right-of-way, or (ii) private property without the written consent of the owner or his agent.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Illegal dumping in Prince William County is prosecuted under Virginia statute. Va. Code 33.2-802 makes it unlawful to dump or dispose of trash, garbage, refuse, litter, or other unsightly matter on public property (including highways, rights-of-way, or adjacent land) or on private property without the owner's written consent. Scavenging within the County Sanitary Landfill is also prohibited. On private property, accumulated trash and refuse can be abated by the County under Va. Code 15.2-901, with removal costs charged to the owner as a lien on parity with unpaid real-estate taxes. Report illegal dumping to Neighborhood Services or Police.

Violations & Fines

Va. Code 33.2-802 dumping is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of $500 to $2,500; courts may order at least 10 hours of litter-abatement community service in lieu of jail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the penalty for illegal dumping in Virginia?
Under Va. Code 33.2-802 it is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $2,500, or both.
Is dumping on someone's private land illegal?
Yes. Dumping on private property without the owner's written consent violates Va. Code 33.2-802, the same statute that covers highways and public rights-of-way.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Prince William County

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsBulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsRecycling RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsHoliday Pickup ScheduleLight RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet LimitsSome Restrictions

All Prince William County rules

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