Baltimore County, MD Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Open dumps
- Prohibited (§ 13-4-104)
- Deposit on land
- Unlawful (§ 13-4-105)
- State law
- MD Crim. Law § 10-110
- Fine (≤100 lbs)
- Up to $1,500 + 30 days
- Report to
- 410-887-2000
Summary
Baltimore County prohibits open dumps on any land and bars depositing garbage, filth, or solid waste on any highway, alley, lot, or waterway (County Code Sections 13-4-104 and 13-4-105). Maryland's Litter Control Law adds criminal penalties up to $1,500 for smaller dumps.
Except as authorized by state law, a person may not throw, cast, or deposit any dead carcass or parts of a dead carcass, dead fish, offal of any kind, garbage, or any excrement or filth from vaults or privies or any other solid waste into or on any highway, byway, or alley, lot or tract of land in the county, or any groundwaters or surface waters of the county.(b)Private property. A person may not allow the materials described in subsection (a) of this section to be deposited on the person's property without obtaining a permit from the Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections on terms and conditions that the Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections may prescribe in the permit.(c)Exception.(1)This section does not prohibit a farmer from spreading or allowing to be spread manure on land that the farmer cultivates or that is cultivated for the purpose of enriching the soil for cultivation of crops.(2)If the use authorized under this section constitutes a public nuisance in the judgment of the Department, the Department may order cessation of the use.(3)A person who violates an order to cease spreading manure is subject to the same penalties provided for a person refusing to obtain a permit under this title.(d)Violation a misdemeanor. A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. (1988 Code, § 32-6) (Bill No. 156, 1989, § 1, 12-11-1989; Bill No. 105-00, § 2, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 122-10, §§ 6, 30, 1-16-2011)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 29 | Zoning Regulations: Supplement 10).
Full Breakdown
County Code Section 13-4-104 defines an 'open dump' as any land with an accumulation of solid waste and flatly prohibits open dumps within the County. Section 13-4-105(a) makes it unlawful to throw, cast, or deposit any dead carcass, offal, garbage, excrement, filth, or any other solid waste onto any highway, byway, alley, lot, or tract of land, or into any County waters; subsection (b) bars allowing such material on private property without a County permit. Maryland's statewide Litter Control Law (Criminal Law Section 10-110) makes disposing of litter a misdemeanor. Report illegal dumping to Baltimore County Code Enforcement or the Bureau of Solid Waste Management (410-887-2000).
Violations & Fines
Under MD Criminal Law Section 10-110, disposing of litter up to 100 pounds is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days or a fine up to $1,500; larger dumps carry higher fines. County offenses under Section 13-4-105 are misdemeanors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is illegal dumping a crime in Baltimore County?
What is the penalty for illegal dumping?
How do I report illegal dumping?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Baltimore County
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