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Chesterfield County, VA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Statute
VA Code § 33.2-802
Max jail
12 months
Fine range
$500 to $2,500
Alternative penalty
10+ hours litter cleanup
Report to
Community Enhancement 804-748-1500

Summary

Dumping trash, garbage, or debris on public property, a highway right-of-way, or private property without the owner's written consent is a misdemeanor under Virginia Code § 33.2-802, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and fines of $500 to $2,500.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Chesterfield County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

It is unlawful for any person to dump or otherwise dispose of trash, garbage, refuse, litter... or other unsightly matter on (i) public property, including a public highway, right-of-way, or property adjacent to such highway or right-of-way, or (ii) private property without the written consent of the owner or his agent.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Virginia's anti-dumping law makes it unlawful to dump or dispose of trash, garbage, refuse, litter, a companion animal, or other unsightly matter on public property (including a highway or its right-of-way) or on private property without the owner's written consent. Chesterfield enforces this alongside its Community Enhancement program, which takes complaints about trash and discarded materials. Because the county has no municipal collection, residents must use a private hauler or the convenience centers; roadside dumping and open-lot dumping are the offenses most often reported. Report illegal dumping to Community Enhancement (804-748-1500) or law enforcement.

Violations & Fines

A Class 1 misdemeanor: up to 12 months in jail and a fine of $500 to $2,500, or both. Courts may instead order at least 10 hours of community service in litter abatement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as illegal dumping?
Leaving trash, refuse, or debris on public land, a highway right-of-way, or someone's private property without their written consent, even a single bag or piece of furniture.
How bad is the penalty?
It is a misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $500-$2,500 fine, or community service in litter abatement in place of jail.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Chesterfield County

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsBulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSignificant RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSignificant RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome Restrictions

All Chesterfield County rules

Compare Chesterfield County to another location·View the Virginia trash & recycling overview

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