Illegal dumping is a state crime in Pennsylvania. Under 18 Pa.C.S. §6501 (scattering rubbish), depositing waste on roads, others' land, or waterways is a summary offense carrying fines, mandatory litter cleanup, or jail, with steeper penalties for repeat and vehicle-based dumping.
Dumping trash outside the proper waste system is prosecuted under Pennsylvania's scattering-rubbish statute, 18 Pa.C.S. §6501, which applies countywide in Lancaster County. It bars depositing waste paper, ashes, refuse, or other rubbish onto any road, alley, railroad right-of-way, the land of another, or Commonwealth waters, and bars tampering with waste receptacles. Larger-scale unpermitted disposal can also be charged under the state Solid Waste Management Act (35 P.S. §6018.610). Enforcement is by state and local police and code officers; report dumping to your municipal police or the PA DEP.
A first offense is a summary offense: a fine of $50–$300 plus 5–30 hours of litter cleanup, or up to 90 days in jail. Repeat and collection-vehicle dumping escalate to misdemeanors with far larger fines.
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