Gulfport, MS Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Base fine
- Up to $1,000 per violation
- Jail exposure
- Up to 90 days
- Repeat-offense cure window
- 30 days
- Landfill dumping hours
- 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon-Sat
- Governing section
- Gulfport Code § 4-143, § 4-146
Summary
Dumping or littering on public or private property in Gulfport is a misdemeanor carrying up to a $1,000 fine per violation, up to 90 days in jail, or both, and repeat offenses within 30 days cannot have any part of the fine suspended.
It shall be unlawful for any person to throw, discard, place or deposit litter in any manner or amount on any public or private property within the corporate limits of the city, except in containers or areas lawfully provided therefor. ... Violation of any ordinance provisions against littering or unauthorized dumping as specified in sections 4-141 through 4-145, inclusive, shall be a separate misdemeanor for each violation thereof, and each and every offender shall be punished for each violation by a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) ... or by imprisonment not exceeding ninety (90) days, or by both fine and imprisonment.
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
Section 4-143 bans throwing, discarding, placing or depositing litter in any manner or amount on any public or private property inside city limits, except in lawfully provided containers or areas. The ordinance reaches beyond pedestrians: it is unlawful to transport loose cargo by truck without covering and securing it against depositing litter, and lack of adequate covering is itself treated as proof of a violation. Property owners, agents, occupants and lessees have an affirmative duty under 4-143(e) to keep exterior private property free of litter, including material trapped at fence bases, planted areas and embankments, and owners fronting municipal sidewalks or alleys must keep those areas litter-free too.
It is separately unlawful to sweep or push litter into streets or alleys rather than picking it up. Nonresident owners of vacant lots must appoint a resident agent responsible for keeping the lot litter-free. Construction and demolition site owners, agents and contractors must provide adequate containers and may be required to show proof of proper disposal at any time. , Monday through Saturday, unless the director of public works sets different hours. Section 4-146 sets the penalty specifically for violations of Sections 4-141 through 4-145, covering both littering and unauthorized dumping.
Violations & Fines
Each littering or illegal dumping violation under Sections 4-141 through 4-145 is a separate misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $1,000 (the court may suspend part of it at its discretion) or imprisonment up to 90 days, or both, per Section 4-146. If the violation is not cured within 30 days of a guilty finding or final adjudication, it becomes a separate repeat offense for which the $1,000 fine cannot be suspended in any part and up to 90 days imprisonment can still be imposed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fine for illegal dumping in Gulfport?
Can outside trash be brought to Gulfport's city landfill?
Am I responsible for litter in front of my property in Gulfport?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gulfport
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