Hidalgo County, TX Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- Health & Safety Code 365.012
- Offense
- Dumping outside approved site
- Penalty range
- Class C up to state jail felony
- Report
- County online dumping form
Summary
Illegal dumping in unincorporated Hidalgo County is a state offense under Texas Health & Safety Code Section 365.012, enforced by the county. Disposing of solid waste anywhere other than an approved site is prosecuted, and residents can report dumping to the county online.
A person commits an offense if the person disposes or allows or permits the disposal of litter or other solid waste at a place that is not an approved solid waste site, including a place on or within 300 feet of a public highway, on a right-of-way, on other public or private property, or into inland or coastal water of the state.
Full Breakdown
Hidalgo County enforces the Texas Litter Abatement Act (Health & Safety Code Chapter 365) in its unincorporated areas. Under Section 365.012, a person commits an offense by disposing of, or allowing or permitting the disposal of, litter or solid waste at a place that is not an approved solid waste site, including within 300 feet of a public highway, on a right-of-way, or into water of the state. The county's Solid Waste program restates this, warning that disposing, receiving, transporting, or authorizing disposal at a non-approved site is an offense, as is using someone else's dumpster without permission. Because dumped trash blocks drainage and breeds mosquitoes, the county maintains an online Illegal Dumping Reporting form for confidential reports.
Violations & Fines
Under Section 365.012 penalties scale with weight or volume, from a Class C misdemeanor for small amounts up to a state jail felony for large quantities or commercial dumping, with fines and jail. The county investigates reports and may prosecute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is illegal dumping a crime in Hidalgo County?
How do I report illegal dumping?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hidalgo County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Hidalgo County to another location·View the Texas trash & recycling overview
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