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Lake County, IN Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

County dumping chapter
Ch. 99 Illegal Dumping
County littering chapter
Ch. 97 Littering
State littering law
IC 35-45-3-2, Class B infraction
State dumping ban
IC 13-30-2-1 (open dumping)
Near protected waters
Class A infraction

Summary

Unincorporated Lake County has a dedicated Illegal Dumping ordinance (Chapter 99) plus a Littering chapter (Chapter 97). Statewide, Indiana bans open dumping of solid waste (IC 13-30-2-1) and makes leaving refuse on another's property littering, a Class B infraction (IC 35-45-3-2).

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Lake County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally places or leaves refuse on property of another person, except in a container provided for refuse, commits littering, a Class B infraction.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Lake County's Code of Ordinances includes Chapter 99 (Illegal Dumping) covering purpose, definitions, susceptible areas, enforcement, violations, and penalties and Chapter 97 (Littering), addressing littering, definitions, and use of a vehicle to litter. These target dumping and refuse on public or private land in unincorporated areas. Statewide, IC 13-30-2-1 prohibits a person from 'dump[ing] or caus[ing] or allow[ing] the open dumping of garbage or of any other solid waste in violation of rules adopted by the board,' and IC 35-45-3-2 makes it littering, a Class B infraction, to leave refuse on another's property except in a provided container (elevated to a Class A infraction near protected waters).

Violations & Fines

Littering under IC 35-45-3-2 is a Class B infraction (up to $1,000; Class A near DNR/Corps waters). County Chapter 99/97 violations carry local fines and cleanup/abatement costs; illegal solid-waste dumping is enforceable under IC 13-30.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as littering under Indiana law?
Recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally leaving refuse on another person's property except in a provided container. It is a Class B infraction, rising to Class A within 100 feet of certain protected waters.
Where do I report illegal dumping in the county?
Report unincorporated-area dumping to Lake County (Public Works / Sheriff) under Chapter 99; the state can also act under IC 13-30-2-1 for open dumping of solid waste.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lake County

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome Restrictions

All Lake County rules

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