Montgomery County, PA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- 18 Pa.C.S. §6501
- Also
- SWMA 35 P.S. §6018.610
- First offense
- Summary; $50-$300 fine
- Extra penalty
- 5-30 hrs litter cleanup
- Repeat
- Third-degree misdemeanor
Summary
Dumping trash on roads, another person's land or into waterways is a state crime in Montgomery County, PA. Under 18 Pa.C.S. §6501 a first offense is a summary offense carrying a $50 to $300 fine plus mandatory litter cleanup. Larger-scale dumping also violates the Solid Waste Management Act.
A person is guilty of an offense if he: (1) causes any waste paper, sweepings, ashes, household waste, glass, metal, refuse or rubbish, or any dangerous or detrimental substance to be deposited into or upon any road, street, highway, alley or railroad right-of-way, or upon the land of another or into the waters of this Commonwealth.
Full Breakdown
Illegal dumping is prosecuted under Pennsylvania statute, giving the county and municipalities real teeth. Under 18 Pa.C.S. §6501 (Scattering rubbish), it is an offense to deposit waste paper, ashes, household waste, glass, metal, refuse or rubbish onto any road, highway, alley, railroad right-of-way, the land of another, or into Commonwealth waters. Separately, the Solid Waste Management Act (35 P.S. §6018.610) makes it unlawful to dump or deposit any solid waste onto the ground or into waters without a Department of Environmental Protection permit. Montgomery County participates in enforcement and cleanup; report dumping to local police and the county.
Violations & Fines
Under 18 Pa.C.S. §6501, a first offense is a summary offense: $50-$300 fine plus 5-30 hours of litter cleanup within six months, or up to 90 days jail; repeat offenses are misdemeanors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I dump trash illegally?
Is dumping without a permit separately illegal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
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