Pasco, WA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- PMC 8.05.270, Destination
- Penalty section
- PMC 8.05.340, civil infraction
- Exception
- Loads to approved salvage/recycling plants
- Enforcing office
- City-appointed solid waste supervisor
- Abatement deadline
- Up to 30 days by court order
Summary
Pasco's solid waste code makes it a violation to transport solid waste over city streets and alleys and dump it anywhere other than an authorized disposal site, except loads headed to an approved salvage or recycling plant. Violators face a civil infraction plus court costs and statutory assessments.
8.05.270 Destination. It is a violation of this chapter to transport solid waste over the streets and alleys of the City which is destined to or is subsequently unloaded at other than authorized disposal sites, except that which is being transported to approved salvage or recycling plants.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4837, passed May 4, 2026).
Full Breakdown
270, titled "Destination," targets exactly the conduct behind illegal dumping complaints: hauling solid waste through the City and unloading it somewhere other than a site the City or its contracted transfer station operator has designated. The only carve-out is waste being taken to an approved salvage or recycling operation. 280, and that site must be run to approved sanitary standards. 290. 020 to issue complaint citations, with unresolved disputes going to the City Manager. 050(5), plus court costs and statutory assessments on top of the base fine.
Where a residence or commercial establishment is found noncompliant in Municipal Court, the court can also enter an abatement order directing the violator to correct the condition within a time limit not exceeding 30 days, or letting the City abate it at the violator's cost. 040(6), which separately bars dropping litter, garbage, or refuse on property outside designated receptacles.
Violations & Fines
Dumping solid waste at an unauthorized site, rather than the City-designated disposal or transfer location, is a civil infraction under PMC 8.05.340, carrying the penalty set in PMC 1.40.050(5) plus court costs and statutory assessments. A Municipal Court finding of noncompliance can also bring a court-ordered abatement deadline of up to 30 days, with City abatement at the violator's expense if that deadline is missed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dumping trash outside the transfer station illegal in Pasco?
What is the penalty for illegal dumping under Pasco's code?
Can I be forced to clean up an illegal dump site myself?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pasco
Compare Pasco to another location·View the Washington trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.