Hampton, VA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Removal deadline
- 24 hours after city notice
- Cleanup penalty
- $250 per violation, plus costs
- Criminal penalty
- up to $2,500 fine, 12 months jail
- Unpaid balances
- become a lien on the property
Summary
Hampton bills illegal dumpers a $250 penalty plus the full cost of city cleanup if material isn't removed within 24 hours, and separately charges dumping as a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to a year in jail.
Except as provided in section 32.2-5(d) of this article, if the city determines illegal dumping has occurred, it immediately shall give the customer or non-customer responsible for the illegal dumping notice to remove the illegally dumped material within twenty-four (24) hours. If this material is not removed within twenty-four (24) hours, the city shall collect the illegally dumped material and charge the customer or non-customer responsible for the illegal dumping costs incurred pursuant to subsection (b) of this section and a penalty of $250.00 per violation.(b)In addition to any other civil penalty, cost, payment, or forfeiture provided for by law or in this chapter, all costs incurred by the city to clean up, remove, or otherwise properly dispose illegally dumped material or hazardous materials shall be the responsibility of and charged to the customer or non-customer who is in control of the property involved as may be appropriate. (Ord. No. 23-0001, 1-11-23)
State Law reference— Locality may provide for removal or disposal of trash, cutting of grass and weeds; penalty in certain counties; penalty, Code of Virginia § 15.2-901; local recycling and waste disposal; powers; penalties, Code of Virginia § 15.2-928.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31 | Zoning: Supplement 20).
Full Breakdown
When the city determines illegal dumping has occurred, § 32.2-7 requires it to notify the responsible customer or non-customer to remove the material within 24 hours; if they don't, the city collects it and charges both the cleanup cost and a $250.00 penalty per violation. Separately, § 32.2-8 makes it unlawful to dump refuse or litter on public or private property without removing it, punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 12 months in jail and/or a $250.00–$2,500.00 fine, with 10 hours of litter-abatement community service available in lieu of jail. Unpaid cleanup costs and penalties over 30 days old become a lien against the property under § 32.2-10.
Violations & Fines
Failing to remove illegally dumped material within 24 hours of notice triggers a $250 penalty plus all city cleanup costs under § 32.2-7; dumping itself is a Class 1 misdemeanor under § 32.2-8, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $250–$2,500 fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don't clean up dumped material myself?
Is illegal dumping a criminal offense in Hampton?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hampton
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