Pittsburgh, PA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum fine
- $500 per violation
- Daily violation
- Each day is separate offense
- Business/multi-family fine
- $500–$5,000, up to $10,000 repeat
- Informant reward
- Up to $500 for tips
Summary
Pittsburgh bans willfully dumping debris on public or private property, sewers, or waterways, with a minimum $500 fine and each day the dumped debris remains counted as a separate offense.
Illegal Dumping Prohibited. (1) No person shall willfully abandon, deposit, or dump debris onto any public place, right-of-way, vacant lot, private premise, sewer, or into the waters in the city. (2) Any person violating these provisions shall be fined no less than five hundred dollars ($500.00) and/or ordered to perform community restitution in the neighborhood where the violation(s) occurred. Every day the violation persists shall constitute a separate offense.
Full Breakdown
City Code § 601.11(d) makes it illegal to willfully abandon, deposit, or dump debris, furniture, appliances, tires, construction waste, and similar items, on any public place, right-of-way, vacant lot, private premise, sewer, or waterway in the city. A violation draws a fine of no less than $500 and/or community restitution in the neighborhood where it happened, and every day the condition continues is a new offense. Businesses and multi-family owners face steeper tiered fines under § 601.14(c), and the City Controller runs an Illegal Dumping Trust Fund that pays informant rewards up to $500 under § 601.15.
Violations & Fines
Minimum $500 fine per offense, with each additional day treated as a separate violation; corporations/firms face $500–$5,000 (up to $1,000–$10,000 for repeat offenses) plus court costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as illegal dumping in Pittsburgh?
Can I report illegal dumping for a reward?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
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Illegal Dumping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Allegheny County handle illegal dumping.