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Delaware County, PA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Primary law
18 Pa.C.S. §6501 scattering rubbish
First offense
Summary; $50–$300 fine
Repeat
3rd-degree misdemeanor
Hauler dumping
2nd-degree misdemeanor
Also
SWMA, 35 P.S. §6018.610

Summary

Dumping trash on roads, another person's land, or the state's waters is a crime under 18 Pa.C.S. §6501 (scattering rubbish) and the Solid Waste Management Act (35 P.S. §6018.610). A first offense is a summary offense; repeat and hauler dumping become misdemeanors with steep fines.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Delaware County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A person is guilty of an offense if he: (1) causes any waste paper, sweepings, ashes, household waste, glass, metal, refuse or rubbish ... to be deposited into or upon any road, street, highway, alley or railroad right-of-way, or upon the land of another or into the waters of this Commonwealth

View official code

Full Breakdown

Illegal dumping in Delaware County, PA is prohibited by state law, not just local codes. Under 18 Pa.C.S. §6501 (Scattering rubbish), it is an offense to deposit waste paper, ashes, household waste, glass, metal, refuse or rubbish upon any road, the land of another, or the waters of the Commonwealth. A first offense is a summary offense; a second or later offense is a third-degree misdemeanor, and a collection-vehicle operator who dumps a load faces a second-degree misdemeanor. Larger-scale dumping of solid waste without a permit also violates the Solid Waste Management Act (35 P.S. §6018.610). Police, the county, and PA DEP can all enforce. Report dumping to local police or the municipality.

Violations & Fines

First offense (§6501): summary offense, fine of not less than $50 nor more than $300, plus 5–30 hours of litter cleanup or up to 90 days jail. Repeat and hauler dumping escalate to misdemeanors with fines up to $10,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is illegal dumping a crime in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Scattering rubbish under 18 Pa.C.S. §6501 is a summary offense for a first violation and a misdemeanor for repeats; unpermitted solid-waste dumping also violates 35 P.S. §6018.610.
How much is the fine for dumping in Delco?
A first scattering-rubbish offense carries a $50–$300 fine plus 5–30 hours of cleanup or up to 90 days jail. Hauler and repeat offenses can reach $10,000.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Delaware County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSignificant RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingSome Restrictions

All Delaware County rules

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