Forsyth County, NC Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- County rule
- No dumping outside authorized sites
- Open dumps
- Prohibited (Sec. 19-11)
- Report dumping
- EAP (336) 703-2440
- State litter law
- N.C.G.S. 14-399
- Felony threshold
- Over 500 lbs or commercial
Summary
It is unlawful to dump litter or waste anywhere in Forsyth County except in an authorized container or location. Open dumps are prohibited. Report unauthorized dumping to Environmental Assistance and Protection at (336) 703-2440. State litter law adds criminal penalties.
It shall be unlawful for any person to place, discard, dispose, leave or dump any litter, or any waste matter whatsoever upon a street or highway within Forsyth County or upon any property within the county unless such litter, or any waste matter is placed in an authorized and lawfully designated location or container for removal by an authorized solid waste/recovered material collector.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 68).
Full Breakdown
Forsyth County Code Sec. 19-9(g) makes it unlawful to place, discard, dispose, leave or dump any litter or waste matter on any street, highway or property in the county unless it is placed in an authorized container or lawfully designated location for an authorized collector. Sec. 19-11 prohibits any open dump or unsanitary accumulation of waste. The county's Office of Environmental Assistance and Protection enforces these rules and takes dumping and open-burning complaints at (336) 703-2440. North Carolina's litter statute, N.C.G.S. 14-399, separately criminalizes throwing or dumping litter on property.
Violations & Fines
County dumping: misdemeanor up to $500 plus civil penalty up to $500, each day separate. State litter (N.C.G.S. 14-399): Class 3 misdemeanor, $500–$3,000 fines plus community service; over 500 lbs or commercial is a Class I felony.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report illegal dumping in Forsyth County?
What's the penalty for illegal dumping?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Forsyth County
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