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Oregon, OH Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

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

Key Facts

Section
Codified Ordinances § 521.08
Penalty, subsections (a)-(d)
misdemeanor, third degree
Court may also order
removal of dumped litter
Letting litter accumulate
minor misdemeanor
"Litter" includes
auto parts, furniture, glass, containers

Summary

In the City of Oregon, Ohio, dumping litter, garbage, rubbish or junk on public property or on someone else's private property without permission is banned under Codified Ordinances 521.08. Violators face a third-degree misdemeanor, and the sentencing court can also order the offender to personally remove everything they dumped.

521.08 LITTERING AND DEPOSIT OF GARBAGE, RUBBISH, JUNK, ETC. ... (a) No person, regardless of intent, shall deposit litter or cause litter to be deposited on any public property, on private property not owned by the person, or in or on waters of the State, or Municipality, unless one of the following applies: ... (3) “Litter” includes garbage, trash, waste, rubbish, ashes, cans, bottles, wire, paper, cartons, boxes, automobile parts, furniture, glass, auxiliary containers, or anything else of an unsightly or unsanitary nature. ... (f) Whoever violates any provision of subsections (a) to (d) hereof, is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree. The sentencing court may, in addition to or in lieu of the penalty provided in this subsection require a person who violates subsections (a) to (d) hereof to remove litter from any public or private property, or in or on any waters.

Full Breakdown

C. Chapter 3734 or 6111. Subsection (d)(3) defines "litter" broadly to include garbage, trash, waste, rubbish, ashes, cans, bottles, wire, paper, cartons, boxes, automobile parts, furniture, glass and "auxiliary containers," plus anything else unsightly or unsanitary. Subsection (b) separately bars dumping trash into someone else's litter receptacle without permission, carving out narrow exceptions for the ordinary contents of a car's litter bag or ashtray and for typical fast-food wrappers a passerby drops in. Subsection (e) bars letting litter collect and remain to the damage of others or the public, or obstructing a natural watercourse.

Enforcement: violating subsections (a) through (d) is a misdemeanor of the third degree under subsection (f), and the sentencing court can, in addition to or instead of the criminal penalty, order the violator to remove the litter from wherever it was dumped, public or private, land or water. Violating subsection (e) alone is a minor misdemeanor. 99(C), and the Division of Police and Department of Public Service field complaints and cleanup referrals.

Violations & Fines

Dumping litter, garbage or junk on public or private land you don't own, or into city waters, is a misdemeanor of the third degree under 521.08(f); the court can add a mandatory cleanup order requiring the violator to personally remove everything dumped. Letting litter accumulate to a neighbor's detriment is a separate minor misdemeanor under subsection (e).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dumping trash on someone else's lot illegal in Oregon, Ohio?
Yes. Section 521.08(a) bans depositing litter, including garbage, rubbish, furniture, auto parts and similar junk, on any public property or on private property you don't own, absent an exception like a city cleanup drive or a state disposal permit.
What can happen if I'm caught illegally dumping?
You face a misdemeanor of the third degree under 521.08(f), and the sentencing court can require you, on top of any fine, to personally remove the litter from wherever it was dumped, whether that's public land, a neighbor's yard or city waters.
Does it matter if I only dumped a small amount?
The ordinance sets no minimum quantity; it applies to any litter, defined to include garbage, ashes, cans, bottles, wire, paper, cartons, boxes, furniture, glass and auxiliary containers like cups and food packaging, deposited without permission.
Can I be cited for letting litter pile up on my own property?
Subsection (e) separately makes it a minor misdemeanor to cause or allow litter to collect anywhere to the damage or prejudice of others or the public, or to obstruct a natural watercourse.

Sources & Official References

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