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Fort Smith, AR Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

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

Key Facts

Prohibited
Dumping solid waste anywhere unapproved
Includes
Animal carcass transfer storage
First offense fine
Up to $1,000
Continuing violation
Up to $500 per day
Approval authority
City administrator, in writing

Summary

Dumping solid waste or animal carcasses anywhere in Fort Smith without the city administrator's advance written approval is unlawful, backed by fines that climb with each repeat offense.

It shall be unlawful for any person to dump or cause to be dumped any solid waste or to store for transfer or cause to be stored for transfer any animal carcass on any property in the city other than at a site approved in advance in writing by the city administrator.

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 4).

Full Breakdown

Fort Smith's code makes it unlawful to dump or cause to be dumped any solid waste, or to store an animal carcass for transfer, on any property in the city 'other than at a site approved in advance in writing by the city administrator.' The prohibition covers private lots as well as public rights-of-way. Violations are punished under the city's general penalty section: fines up to $1,000 for a first offense, $2,000 for a second, and $4,000 for each later offense, plus up to $500 for every day a continuing violation isn't corrected.

Violations & Fines

Up to $1,000 for a first offense, $2,000 for a second, and $4,000 for each subsequent offense, plus up to $500 per day the dumping continues uncorrected (City Code § 1-9).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I dump construction debris on my own vacant lot in Fort Smith?
No: the ban applies to any property in the city, including your own, unless the city administrator approved the site in advance in writing.
What's the penalty for illegal dumping in Fort Smith?
Fines run up to $1,000 for a first offense, $2,000 for a second, and $4,000 for each later offense, plus $500 a day if the violation continues.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fort Smith

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsBulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsLight RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Fort Smith rules

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