Houston, TX Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- Code sections 39-3, 39-4
- First conviction
- $50 to $2,000 fine
- Repeat conviction
- $250 to $2,000 fine
- Each day
- Separate punishable offense
- Enforcement
- Houston Public Works; city attorney
Summary
Depositing solid waste anywhere it doesn't conform to Chapter 39's pickup rules is an unlawful deposit of litter in Houston. A first conviction runs $50 to $2,000, repeat offenders start at $250, and every day counts as a separate offense.
Sec. 39-3. ... Any deposit which does not conform in all respects with the provisions set forth in this chapter shall constitute an unlawful deposit of litter which shall be punishable as provided by law. Sec. 39-4(a) ... the violation of any such provision shall be punishable upon first conviction by a fine of not less than $50.00 nor more than $2,000.00 and upon each subsequent conviction by a fine of not less than $250.00 nor more than $2,000.00. Each day that any violation continues shall be punishable as a separate offense.
Full Breakdown
Houston Code of Ordinances section 39-3 states the city never permits depositing solid waste on sidewalks, streets, curbs, or other public places outside the pickup conditions in Chapter 39: any nonconforming deposit is an unlawful deposit of litter. Section 39-4 supplies the penalty: a first conviction brings a fine of $50 to $2,000, each later conviction $250 to $2,000, and every day a violation continues is a separate offense. Houston Public Works and its solid waste division enforce the chapter, and the city attorney can separately sue to abate any unsanitary condition or unlawful disposal. Conduct that also breaks Texas penal law is punished under that law too.
Violations & Fines
Illegal dumping is prosecuted as a misdemeanor in municipal court. Fines reach $2,000 per conviction, each day is charged as a separate offense, and the city attorney may also file civil actions to abate the condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the fine for illegal dumping in Houston?
Is it legal to leave bagged trash on public property?
Can Houston do more than fine illegal dumpers?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Houston
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Houston to another location·View the Texas trash & recycling overview
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Illegal Dumping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle illegal dumping.