Providence, RI Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

Any person who shall dispose of heavy litter other than at a solid waste management facility licensed by the director of the department of environmental management of the state shall be deemed to have created an unsanitary condition and a nuisance. The phrase "dispose of heavy litter," as prohibited herein, refers to the depositing, casting, throwing, leaving or abandoning of a quantity greater than one (1) cubic yard at any location other than a said waste management facility or at a location approved for such disposal by the city. Used asphalt, concrete, Portland concrete, tree stumps, and other solid waste held or stored in a vehicle or proper receptacle at a licensed place of business of a licensed solid waste hauler for a period not to exceed seventy-two (72) hours shall not be considered heavy litter for purposes of this act.

(b)Violations—Penalties. A person convicted of a first violation of this section shall be subject to a fine five hundred dollars ($500.00) for litter greater than one (1) but less than two (2) cubic yards. Litter between two (2) to three (3) cubic yards will be fined eight hundred dollars ($800.00). Litter over three (3) cubic yards will be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000.00). A person convicted of a second or subsequent violation shall be fined five thousand dollars ($5000.00).

(Ord. 2002, ch. 02-3 § 11, 2-13-02; Ord. No. 2015-55, § 1, 10-23-15)