Lake County, IL Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Lake County Code § 94.13(C)
- Max fine
- $1,000 per violation (§ 10.99)
- Continuing violation
- Each day is a separate offense
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Lake County only
- Exception
- Permitted sanitary landfill sites
Summary
Dumping garbage, refuse, or rubbish in a public place in unincorporated Lake County, or entering another's property to dump waste, is a public nuisance punishable under the county code.
It is a public nuisance for any person to dump or deposit, or cause to be dumped or deposited, within a public place in unincorporated areas of Lake County or unlawfully enter the property of another person to dump or deposit, any garbage, ashes, refuse, trash, rubbish, miscellaneous waste, manure or any substance that may contain disease, germs or be scattered by the wind or decompose, or become filthy, noxious, or unhealthful, except at a sanitary landfill site for which a permit has been lawfully issued.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 26-0618, passed 6-9-2026 | State legislation current through ILCS Pamphlet 2025 #5).
Full Breakdown
Lake County Code § 94.13(C) makes it a public nuisance to dump or deposit garbage, ashes, refuse, trash, rubbish, manure, or any substance that decomposes or turns filthy, noxious, or unhealthful, within a public place in unincorporated Lake County, or to trespass onto someone else's property to dump. The only exception is disposal at a sanitary landfill holding a lawful permit. This applies to unincorporated county land. Waukegan, North Chicago, Highland Park, Gurnee, Libertyville, and other municipalities enforce their own dumping rules under their own codes.
Violations & Fines
General penalty under § 10.99 applies: a fine of up to $1,000 per violation, with each day the dumping condition continues counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this dumping ban apply inside Waukegan or Highland Park?
What counts as illegal dumping under § 94.13(C)?
What is the penalty for illegal dumping in unincorporated Lake County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lake County
Compare Lake County to another location·View the Illinois trash & recycling overview
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