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Guilford County, NC Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

County nuisance rule
Sec. 15.5-2
State littering law
NC Gen. Stat. 14-399
County commercial fine
$1,000-$3,000
Small-amount penalty
Class 3 misdemeanor, $500-$1,000
Over 500 lbs
Class I felony

Summary

Illegal dumping in Guilford County is a public nuisance under Solid Waste Ordinance Sec. 15.5-2 and a crime under NC Gen. Stat. 14-399 (littering). Dumping solid waste, tires, appliances or debris on land or in creeks can bring county fines up to $3,000 and, under state law, misdemeanor or felony

City-specific rules exist: Greensboro, and High Point have their own illegal dumping rules that differ from Guilford County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

No person, including any firm, organization, private corporation, or governing body, agents or employees of any municipal corporation shall intentionally or recklessly throw, scatter, spill or place or otherwise dispose of any litter upon any public property or private property not owned by the person within this State or in the waters of this State.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Guilford County Code Sec. 15.5-2 declares the dumping, placing, burying or disposal of solid waste, trash, garbage, refuse, recyclables, electronics, construction and demolition debris, scrap tires or white goods on land or in ditches, creeks, lakes, ponds or open areas to be a public nuisance. Separately, NC Gen. Stat. 14-399 makes littering a crime: intentionally or recklessly disposing of litter on public or private property not your own is prohibited. County civil penalties escalate for repeat and commercial offenders. State littering penalties scale with weight, from a Class 3 misdemeanor for small amounts up to a Class I felony for over 500 pounds or commercial dumping.

Violations & Fines

County: $150-$500 (residential), $1,000-$3,000 (commercial/willful). State: littering under 10 lbs is a Class 3 misdemeanor, $500-$1,000 fine; over 500 lbs is a Class I felony.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I dump trash on the roadside or a vacant lot?
It is a county public nuisance (Sec. 15.5-2) and a crime under NC Gen. Stat. 14-399. You can face county fines up to $3,000 and state misdemeanor or felony charges plus community service.
Is dumping appliances or tires treated the same?
Yes. Sec. 15.5-2 specifically lists scrap tires, white goods, electronics and demolition debris as nuisance dumping; use the county's free disposal facilities instead.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Guilford County

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsRecycling RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsLight RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Guilford County rules

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Illegal Dumping in Cities Across Guilford County

Greensboro, NCHigh Point, NC