Dallas, TX Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- City Code 18-10, 18-12.1
- Maximum fine
- $2,000 per day
- First-offense minimum
- $200 (Sec. 18-10)
- Enforcement
- Dept. of Sanitation Services
- Repeat penalty
- Doubled 2nd, trebled 3rd
Summary
Dumping solid waste anywhere in Dallas outside a location approved by the director of sanitation is an offense under City Code Section 18-10, carrying a fine of $200 to $2,000 per day and a presumption of guilt against the property owner where the waste is traced.
A person commits an offense if he disposes of dry or wet solid waste or other waste materials inside the city, other than at a location and in a manner approved by the director of sanitation... The owner, occupant, or person in control of premises to which illegally-deposited solid waste is traced is presumed to have illegally disposed of or caused the illegal disposal of the solid waste... an offense under this article is punishable by a fine of not more than $2,000... $200 for a first conviction of a violation of Section 18-10.
Full Breakdown
City Code Section 18-10 makes it an offense to dispose of any wet or dry solid waste inside Dallas except at a location and in a manner the director of sanitation approves. Waste traced to your premises, or dumped from your vehicle, is presumed dumped by you. Section 18-12.1 sets the fine at no more than $2,000 and no less than $200 for a first Section 18-10 conviction, and each day is a separate offense; minimum fines double for a second conviction and treble for a third within any 24-month period. The Department of Sanitation Services enforces, the city may alternatively levy administrative penalties under Chapter 27, and under Section 18-12 it can remove dumped waste and lien the property for actual cleanup costs plus 10 percent interest.
Violations & Fines
Each day of illegal dumping is a separate offense. A first Section 18-10 conviction carries $200 to $2,000; minimum fines double for a second conviction and treble for a third within any 24-month period.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas
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Illegal Dumping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle illegal dumping.