San Marcos, TX Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

San Marcos treats dumping of refuse as a public-health-and-sanitation violation under the city's general penalty ordinance, not an ordinary code infraction. Sec. 1.015(a) singles out fire safety, zoning, and public health and sanitation violations, expressly including dumping of refuse, for a fine of up to $2,000 on conviction, versus the $500 ceiling that applies to most other Code violations under Sec. 1.015(b). Each day a dumping violation continues counts as a separate offense under Sec. 1.015(d), and city sanitarians in the environmental health department are authorized to issue municipal court citations under Sec. 34.001. Separately, owners and occupants who let rubbish accumulate on a lot face abatement action and lien fees under Sec. 34.078.