Charleston County, SC Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- County ordinance
- Sec. 10-95, 10-96, 10-69
- State statute
- SC Code 16-11-700; 44-67
- Fine (under 15 lbs)
- $100-$200 + service
- Fine (over 15 lbs)
- $200-$500 + service
- Cleanup notice
- 15 days to remove litter
Summary
Dumping or discarding litter or solid waste on public or private property in Charleston County is unlawful. Fines start at $100 to $200 plus mandatory litter-gathering community service, and rise to $500 for larger amounts.
No person shall dump, throw, drop, deposit, discard or otherwise dispose of litter or other solid waste upon any public or private property in the county or in the waters of the county whether from a vehicle or otherwise including, but not limited to, any highway, park, beach, campground, forest land, recreational area, trailer park, highway, road, street or alley.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 21).
Full Breakdown
Charleston County's Litter Control Ordinance (Sec. 10-95) prohibits any person from dumping, throwing, depositing, or discarding litter or solid waste on any public or private property or in county waters, except into designated facilities or litter receptacles. Sec. 10-69 separately makes it unlawful to dump, leave, or bury solid waste on property without the owner's written consent. These mirror the South Carolina litter statute, SC Code 16-11-700, and the county acts under the state Litter Control Act (SC Code 44-67). Enforcement officers may inspect property, issue a summons, and order cleanup within 15 days. Owners who ignore the cleanup notice can be prosecuted and billed for county abatement.
Violations & Fines
Under Sec. 10-96, littering under 15 lbs/27 cu ft is a misdemeanor fined $100 to $200 plus at least 5 hours of litter-gathering service; over that threshold, $200 to $500 plus community service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fine for illegal dumping in Charleston County?
Can I be cited for litter someone else left on my lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston County
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