Reading, PA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Violation code
- QOL.003
- First offense fine
- $25 to $50
- Repeat offense fine
- up to $250
- Who can ticket
- police, code officers
Summary
Dumping solid waste or recyclable material on vacant or unoccupied property in Reading is a quality-of-life ticket offense, starting at $25-$50 and rising to $100-$250 for repeat offenses within twelve months.
QOL.003 Improper disposal or dumping of waste. Improper disposal of solid waste or recyclable material or dumping of said material on vacant, unoccupied, or other property.
D. QOL.004 High weeds, grass or plant growth. All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of six inches (152.4 mm). All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation. Cultivated flowers, gardens, trees and shrubs shall not be included as a violation of this Part.
E. QOL.005 Littering or scattering waste. No person shall throw, dump, place, sweep or dispose of anysolid waste or recyclable material upon any public sidewalk, alley, street, bridge, public passageway, public parking area or on any public property.
F. QOL.006 Motor vehicles. It shall be unlawful to store, park or place any unregistered, uninspected, inoperative, unlicensed or nuisance motor vehicle on any premises. No vehicle shall, at any time, be in a state of major disassembly, disrepair, or in the process of being stripped or dismantled. Painting of vehicles is prohibited unless conducted inside an approved spray booth.
G. QOL.007 Operating a food cart illegally. It shall be unlawful to operate any food cart without the proper permits and/or inspections. It shall also be unlawful to operate any food cart while any portion of the cart is inoperable.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-8: Current through August 10, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Reading's Quality of Life ordinance makes it a ticketable offense to improperly dispose of or dump solid waste or recyclable material on vacant, unoccupied, or other property anywhere in the city. Police officers and city code officers can issue a violation ticket on the spot under QOL.003. Fines escalate from $25-$50 for a first offense within a twelve-month period, to $50-$100 for a second, and $100-$250 for a third and later offense. If the City ends up cleaning up the dumped material itself, the property owner or offending party is billed separately for that abatement work on top of the ticket fine.
Violations & Fines
First offense: $25-$50 ticket. Second offense within 12 months: $50-$100. Third and subsequent offenses: $100-$250, plus the City's abatement and cleanup costs billed to the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can issue a dumping ticket in Reading?
What happens if I don't pay the ticket?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reading
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