Clackamas County, OR Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- County code
- Ch. 10.03 (any amount)
- County civil penalty
- Up to $3,500
- State water littering
- ORS 164.775, Class B misd.
- Offensive littering
- ORS 164.805, Class C misd.
- Report to
- 503-742-4452
Summary
Dumping trash, litter, or debris in any amount violates Chapter 10.03 of the Clackamas County Solid Waste Code, with civil penalties up to $3,500 when the owner can be identified. Oregon law also makes littering and offensive dumping a crime under ORS 164.775 and 164.805.
It is unlawful for any person to discard any glass, cans or other trash, rubbish, debris or litter on land within 100 yards of any of the waters of the state, or in any water of this state.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
The county treats illegal dumping seriously: under Title 10, Chapter 10.03, discarding trash, litter, refuse, or debris in any amount, on your own land, someone else's, or public property, is a violation, and civil penalties can reach $3,500 if investigators find evidence identifying the owner of the dumped garbage. This stacks with Oregon criminal statutes. ORS 164.775 makes it unlawful to discard glass, cans, or trash within 100 yards of state waters (a Class B misdemeanor), and ORS 164.805 defines offensive littering. ORS 164.785 covers depositing offensive substances. Report dumping to Code Enforcement at 503-742-4452; documented evidence tying waste to an owner strengthens enforcement.
Violations & Fines
Civil penalty up to $3,500 under Ch. 10.03 for dumping when the owner is identified; ORS 164.775 offensive/water littering is a Class B misdemeanor; ORS 164.805 offensive littering is a Class C misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the fine for illegal dumping?
Is it illegal to dump near a creek or river?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clackamas County
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