Horry County, SC Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Code section
- Horry County Code § 10-16
- First-offense fine
- $200-$500, up to 30 days
- Second offense
- $500+, 15-30 days, 100 hours
- State litter law
- S.C. Code § 16-11-700
- Evidence rule
- Traced material is prima facie proof
Summary
Horry County Code Sec. 10-16(a) makes it unlawful to throw or dump garbage, refuse, junk, appliances, tree limbs, or any solid waste anywhere in the unincorporated county except at a permitted landfill. Violations are misdemeanors carrying fines of $200-$500 and up to 30 days in jail.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, business entity, or corporation to throw, dump or cause to be dumped, whether from a vehicle or otherwise any garbage, refuse, rubbish, litter, junk, appliances, equipment ... or any other form of solid waste anywhere in the unincorporated area of the county except as may be permitted.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 88).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 10-16(a) bans dumping any garbage, refuse, rubbish, litter, junk, appliances, or other solid waste anywhere in unincorporated Horry County except a permitted sanitary landfill. Clean fill such as sand, dirt, or broken concrete may be placed on private property only with the owner's permission and if it creates no nuisance (Sec. 10-16(b)). Dumped material traced to its last owner is prima facie evidence of the violation (Sec. 10-16(c)). Myrtle Beach Sec. 17-1 similarly bars scattering refuse or blocking stormwater. South Carolina's litter statute, S.C. Code Sec. 16-11-700, independently criminalizes dumping litter statewide.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor under Sec. 10-42: first offense $200-$500 and up to 30 days jail (or 40 hours community service); second offense $500+, 15-30 days jail, plus 100 hours community service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as illegal dumping in Horry County?
How are dumpers identified?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Horry County
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