Dumping trash on public or private property without permission is illegal statewide under Tennessee's littering law (TCA 39-14-502). Mitigated criminal littering (under 5 lbs / 7.5 cubic feet) is a Class B misdemeanor with a $500 fine; larger commercial dumping escalates to a felony. Report to Knox County Solid Waste
Illegal dumping in Knox County is prosecuted under Tennessee's criminal littering statutes. Under TCA 39-14-502, a person commits littering who knowingly places, drops, or throws litter on any public or private property without permission and does not immediately remove it. Littering of 5 pounds or less (or 7.5 cubic feet) is mitigated criminal littering, a Class B misdemeanor with a $500 fine; amounts over 10 pounds or 15 cubic feet, or any commercial dumping, is aggravated criminal littering, ranging up to a Class E felony with fines of $2,500-$4,000. Convenience-center misuse and roadside dumping are enforced by Knox County Solid Waste, which runs a litter and illegal-dumping program.
Mitigated criminal littering is a Class B misdemeanor, $500 fine, plus up to 40 hours of court-ordered litter cleanup; aggravated criminal littering can be a felony with $2,500-$4,000 fines. Report via 865-215-JUNK (5865).
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Knoxville, TN
Knoxville has no general City Code ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, garden statues, religious displays, or yard decorations on private residential prope...
Knoxville, TN
Knoxville has no City Code ordinance specifically regulating inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Inflatables must stay within the pr...
Knoxville, TN
Knoxville has no dedicated City Code ordinance regulating the timing, brightness, or quantity of residential holiday light displays. General electrical safet...
Knoxville, TN
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Knoxville require Plans Review & Inspections permits when they include gas lines, plumbing, electrical work, or structures. Nat...
Knoxville, TN
Knoxville treats wood smokers, pellet grills, and other solid-fuel cooking equipment under the 2024 International Fire Code as adopted in City Code Chapter 1...
Knoxville, TN
Knoxville has adopted the 2024 International Fire Code under City Code Chapter 11, Article II (Sections 11-21 to 11-22), effective January 2025. IFC Section ...
See how Knoxville's illegal dumping rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.