Monroe County, NY Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- County Code § 343-39
- First-offense fine
- Up to $350
- Repeat-offense fine
- $700-$1,000
- Jail exposure
- Up to 30 days
Summary
Monroe County bars dumping refuse, litter or yard waste on any public or private property where it could wash into storm drains, with fines up to $1,000 and jail for repeat offenders.
No Person shall throw, deposit, leave, maintain, keep or allow to be thrown, deposited, left or maintained in or upon any public or private property, driveway, parking area, street, alley, sidewalk, component of the County Storm Drainage System or Waters of the United States, any refuse, rubbish, yard/lawn waste, garbage, litter or other discarded or abandoned objects, articles and accumulations so that the same may cause or contribute to pollution through its potential admixture with surface runoff and Stormwater. Wastes deposited in streets in proper waste receptacles for the purposes of collection are exempted from this prohibition.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4802746; v60 updated 2026-02-10; through 02-10-2026).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 343-39 prohibits throwing, depositing or leaving refuse, rubbish, yard waste, garbage or litter on public or private property, driveways, streets, sidewalks or the County Storm Drainage System if it may pollute stormwater runoff. Waste bagged in receptacles for scheduled collection is exempt. Article VIII violations carry escalating criminal penalties under § 343-60.B.
Violations & Fines
First offense: fine up to $350 or up to 15 days jail. Second offense within 5 years: $350-$700 or up to 30 days. Third+ offense: $700-$1,000 or up to 30 days; each day is a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does putting trash in a bin count as dumping?
Where does the county's dumping ban apply?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monroe County
New York rules heatmap·Compare Monroe County to another location·View the New York trash & recycling overview
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