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Hamilton County, IN Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

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

Key Facts

State law
IC 35-45-3-2 (littering)
Base offense
Class B infraction
Near protected water
Class A, up to $1,000
'Refuse' includes
Solid/semisolid waste, dead animals
From vehicle
Driver presumed responsible

Summary

Dumping trash on someone else's property or public land is illegal statewide. Under Indiana Code IC 35-45-3-2, leaving refuse anywhere except a container provided for it is littering, a Class B infraction, rising to a Class A infraction near protected waters.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Hamilton County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally places or leaves refuse on property of another person, except in a container provided for refuse, commits littering, a Class B infraction.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Illegal dumping is enforced under state law and local ordinance across Hamilton County. IC 35-45-3-2 makes it littering to recklessly, knowingly or intentionally place or leave refuse on another's property except in a refuse container; the offense becomes a Class A infraction (up to a $1,000 judgment) if the refuse is within 100 feet of a body of water under the Department of Natural Resources or Army Corps of Engineers. 'Refuse' includes solid and semisolid wastes, dead animals and offal. Cities such as Carmel and Fishers add their own littering and dumping prohibitions, and littering from a moving vehicle is presumed to be the driver's act.

Violations & Fines

Littering is a Class B infraction; a Class A infraction near protected water carries a judgment of up to $1,000. Fishers' Chapter 50 penalties ($100/$200/$500) apply to unlawful collection or dumping by haulers, with each day a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for illegal dumping in Indiana?
Littering is a Class B infraction under IC 35-45-3-2, and a Class A infraction with a judgment up to $1,000 if refuse is left within 100 feet of certain protected waters.
Is tossing trash from my car illegal?
Yes. Littering from a moving vehicle is prohibited, and Indiana law treats it as prima facie evidence that the vehicle's operator committed the offense.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hamilton County

Bulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Hamilton County rules

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