Rock County, WI Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Littering statute
- Wis. Stat. 287.81
- Standard forfeiture
- Up to $500
- Large-item forfeiture
- Up to $1,000
- Large items
- Appliances, tires, furniture, debris
- Applies to
- Public and private property
Summary
Illegal dumping is a state crime everywhere in Rock County. Under Wis. Stat. 287.81, depositing solid waste on any highway, waters, or public or private property brings a forfeiture up to $500, rising to $1,000 for large items like appliances, furniture, tires or building debris.
No person may deposit or discharge any solid waste on or along any highway, in any waters of the state, on the ice of any waters of the state or on any other public or private property. A person who violates this subsection may be required to forfeit not more than $500; a person who deposits a large item may be required to forfeit not more than $1,000.
Full Breakdown
Wisconsin's littering statute, Wis. Stat. 287.81, applies statewide, so it covers all of Rock County regardless of municipality. It prohibits depositing or discharging any solid waste on or along a highway, in state waters or on their ice, or on any other public or private property. A standard violation is a forfeiture of up to $500. Dumping a defined large item, appliance, furniture, tire, vehicle, boat, aircraft, building materials or demolition waste, raises the forfeiture to up to $1,000. The Wisconsin Supreme Court held even a discarded cigarette butt violates the statute (State v. Iverson, 2015). Municipalities may add local dumping and littering penalties on top.
Violations & Fines
Forfeiture up to $500 for ordinary solid-waste littering and up to $1,000 for large items under Wis. Stat. 287.81. Local ordinances may impose additional fines and cleanup costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fine for illegal dumping in Rock County?
Does the law cover dumping on private land?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rock County
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