Lower Paxton, PA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

The dumping rules sit in § 165-12 of the Lower Paxton Township Code. Subsection F, titled unlawful deposition of municipal waste, makes it unlawful for any person to deposit for collection any solid waste, including bulk waste items, not generated at the address from which collection is made. It is also unlawful to bring any solid waste into the Township, or move it from one address to another in the Township, to take advantage of the collection service or to avoid the cost of collection. Subsection G adds that it is unlawful for any person to place bulk waste on any property other than the property at which it was generated or directly associated with.

The article closes other routes for getting rid of waste. Only persons or corporations authorized by license or contract with the Township can collect or transport municipal waste as a regular hauling business. Anyone transporting solid waste must prevent or remedy any spillage, and vehicles must be leak-proof. All municipal waste produced in the Township must go to a landfill or other disposal facility licensed or permitted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, or to a facility the Township designates. Bulk waste the Township hauler does not collect must go to a state-permitted or licensed facility, a facility the Township designates, or a legitimate salvage dealer. Under § 165-14, recyclables become Township property once placed for collection, and unauthorized collection and commingling of listed recyclables with other solid waste are violations.

Burning is not a fallback. Section 106-24 prohibits open burning of refuse and recyclable materials, including leaf waste, and declares the burning of garbage, rubbish, rags, bones, leaves, paper and other trash a nuisance. Hazardous waste is covered separately by Article I of Chapter 165, which carries its own fine of not more than $1,000, plus costs, with up to 90 days of imprisonment on default.