Lakewood, WA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

LMC 12.06.040 covers three related problems. Subsection A bans driving or moving any vehicle on a Lakewood public highway unless it is loaded or constructed to prevent material from dropping, sifting, leaking or otherwise escaping, with an exception for sand spread for traction or water sprayed by public authorities for street cleaning; a driver whose load escapes must immediately clean up the highway. Subsection B makes it unlawful to deposit materials, or let them remain, on any public right-of-way or on private or public property adjoining a highway, except at dumping sites the City Council has designated and marked. Subsection C puts responsibility on the adjoining property owner whenever dumped materials are found on property next to a public highway or right-of-way.

Once the City gives written notice, LMC 12.06.040(D) gives the violator 48 hours to remove the material; missing that window makes the violator liable for every cost the City incurs removing it themselves. Materials left on the right-of-way are separately declared a public nuisance, cross-referenced to LMC 12.02.030. Enforcement runs through the City's Planning and Public Works Department and City Engineer, the same officials who administer right-of-way permits under Chapters 12.04 and 12.06 LMC.