Rochester, MN Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

Sec. 12-10-16, titled Prohibited disposal, states the rule in one sentence: it is unlawful for any person to deposit refuse in any manner on the property of another or to place refuse in a refuse container belonging to another person, without the consent of such person. That single provision covers two distinct acts: dumping refuse directly onto someone else's land, and using someone else's cart or dumpster without permission, both without regard to the quantity dumped. The chapter reinforces this with related handling rules: Sec.

12-10-4 requires all refuse to be disposed of only at an approved facility and in a manner the city or its designee prescribes, Sec. 12-10-8 bars burning, burying or disposing of refuse by any method other than what the chapter allows, and Sec. 12-10-9 requires refuse hauled on public streets, alleys or grounds to ride in a tightly covered vehicle or container so nothing falls out or scatters in transit. Hazardous refuse gets its own tighter rule under Sec. 12-10-5: it may be picked up only by collectors licensed for hazardous refuse collection and transport by the state or another governmental authority, and must go to a facility licensed for that specific type of disposal. Chapter 12-10 does not set its own fine schedule for a Sec. 12-10-16 violation, so the citywide penalty in Sec. 1-1-11 controls.