Richland County, SC Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- County rule
- Sec. 12-60 (unincorporated area)
- Only legal spot
- SCDHEC-approved landfill
- Owner liable
- If access not limited
- State law
- SC Code 16-11-700
- State fines
- $25 up to $1,000 by weight
Summary
It is unlawful to dump garbage, debris, junk, appliances, or any solid waste anywhere in unincorporated Richland County except at an SCDHEC-approved landfill (Sec. 12-60). South Carolina's litter law (16-11-700) adds criminal fines that rise with the weight dumped.
It shall be unlawful for any person to dump, allow another person to dump, or cause to be dumped any garbage, debris, household trash, litter, junk, appliances, equipment, cans, bottles, paper, trees, tree limbs, tree stumps, brush or parts thereof, or any other solid waste, anywhere in the unincorporated area of the county, except at an SCDHEC approved landfill.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-24: This supplement is current through Ordinance No. 033-25HR).
Full Breakdown
Richland County Code Sec. 12-60 makes it unlawful for any person to dump, allow another to dump, or cause to be dumped garbage, debris, household trash, litter, junk, appliances, cans, bottles, paper, trees, limbs, stumps, brush, or any other solid waste anywhere in the unincorporated county except at an SCDHEC-approved landfill; an owner who fails to sufficiently limit access to a property where dumping occurs is deemed to be allowing it. Dumping into storm drains or conveyances is separately unlawful under the county's MS4 ordinance (Sec. 26-203). On top of the county rule, South Carolina Code 16-11-700 criminalizes dumping litter on public or private property statewide.
Violations & Fines
Under SC Code 16-11-700, dumping under 15 lbs is a misdemeanor fined $25-$100 plus 8 hours community service; 15-500 lbs, $200-$500; over 500 lbs, $500-$1,000. County citations add fines up to $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dumping trash on my own land illegal?
What is the fine for illegal dumping in South Carolina?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richland County
Compare Richland County to another location·View the South Carolina trash & recycling overview
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