Chatham County, GA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- Chatham County §21-313
- Prohibited
- Dumping litter without authorization
- Litter defined
- §21-312 (debris, appliances, branches)
- Max penalty
- $500 and/or 30 days
- State law
- O.C.G.A. §16-7-40 et seq.
Summary
Chatham County Code §21-313 makes it unlawful to dump, deposit, or leave litter on any public or private property in the unincorporated county without authorization. Violations carry a fine up to $500, up to 30 days in jail, and each day is a separate offense (§21-314).
It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to violate the provisions of this article or to dump, deposit, throw or leave, or to cause or permit the dumping, depositing, placing, throwing or leaving of litter on any public property or private property in Chatham County, Georgia, without the corporate limits of any municipality therein...
Full Breakdown
Section 21-313 of the Code of Chatham County prohibits any person from dumping, depositing, throwing, or leaving litter on any public or private property in unincorporated Chatham County, unless the site is county-designated for disposal, the person holds an unrevoked permit from the Zoning Administrator, or the act is by the owner/tenant in a way that does not harm neighboring owners. 'Litter' is broadly defined (§21-312) to include construction debris, abandoned appliances and furniture, tree branches, and industrial waste. Disposal outside a designated drop-off area or during non-operating hours is also treated as illegal dumping (§21-406). Georgia's statewide Litter Control Law (O.C.G.A. §16-7-40 et seq.) applies as well.
Violations & Fines
Illegal dumping is punishable by a fine up to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or work-gang labor up to 60 days, plus costs; each day the violation continues is a separate offense (§21-314).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for illegal dumping in Chatham County?
Can I dump yard debris on my own land?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chatham County
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