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Denton, TX Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

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

Key Facts

Citation
City Code Sec. 21-8
Max fine
$2,000 per Sec. 1-12(a)(1)
Offense class
Class C misdemeanor
Continuing violation
Each day is a separate offense

Summary

Denton makes it unlawful and a public nuisance to dump refuse, trash, or debris on any street, alley, waterway, or public or private property.

It shall be unlawful and declared a nuisance for any person to dump, or permit to be dumped upon any sidewalk, alley, street, into or adjacent to water, or any other public or private property, any unwholesome water, refuse, rubbish, trash, debris, filth, carrion, junk, garbage, impure or unwholesome matter of any kind or other objectionable or unsightly matter of whatever kind.

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 37 Update 1 | Development Code: Supplement 27).

Full Breakdown

City Code Sec. 21-8 bans dumping unwholesome water, refuse, rubbish, trash, debris, filth, carrion, junk, garbage, or other unsightly matter on any sidewalk, alley, street, near water, or on public or private property, and declares the act a nuisance. Because dumping falls under the Code's public-health-and-sanitation category, it carries the higher general-penalty fine tier set citywide rather than the standard $500 default.

Violations & Fines

Class C misdemeanor; up to $2,000 fine per Sec. 1-12(a)(1) (public health and sanitation violations), with each day of violation a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dumping trash on someone else's property illegal in Denton?
Yes. Sec. 21-8 bans dumping refuse, trash, or debris on public or private property, including another person's land, and declares it a nuisance.
What's the maximum fine for illegal dumping in Denton?
Up to $2,000 under the Code's general penalty for public health and sanitation violations (Sec. 1-12(a)(1)), and each day counts as a separate offense.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Denton

Collection ScheduleSignificant RestrictionsBulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsRecycling RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSignificant RestrictionsValet Trash RulesSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSignificant RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesLight RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant Restrictions

All Denton rules

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Illegal Dumping in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Denton County handle illegal dumping.

Lewisville, TX
Heavy Restrictions