Dumping trash on public or private land is illegal statewide under Colorado's littering law (C.R.S. 18-4-511), a class 2 petty offense with mandatory fines from $20 up to $1,000. On unincorporated county land, dumped rubbish is also a nuisance abatable under Land Use Code Article 14.
Illegal dumping in Boulder County is punished on two tracks. Statewide, C.R.S. 18-4-511 makes littering of public or private property a class 2 petty offense; a peace officer must issue a summons and complaint (no penalty assessment). Separately, on unincorporated county land, dumped waste is 'rubbish' under Land Use Code Article 14, letting the county order removal and, on failure, abate at the owner's expense. Roadside and open-space dumping should be reported to the Boulder County Sheriff or Community Planning & Permitting (303-441-3930). Report toxic or hazardous dumping immediately.
Under C.R.S. 18-4-511, mandatory fine of $20–$500 (first conviction), $50–$1,000 (second), and $100–$1,000 (third or later). County abatement of dumped rubbish is also billed to the responsible property owner plus fees.
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