Sedona, AZ Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Charge level
- Class 1 misdemeanor or civil violation
- Max fine
- $2,500 under SCC 1.15.010
- Max jail time
- 6 months
- Cleanup cost liability
- Dumper pays all removal costs
- Notice before city cleanup
- 30 days written notice
Summary
Dumping rubbish, trash, filth or debris on property you don't own or control is a class 1 misdemeanor in Sedona, or a civil violation prosecuted under the city's general penalty chapter. Whoever dumps it also owes the city for every dollar spent cleaning it up.
Any person, firm, or corporation that places any rubbish, trash, filth or debris upon any private or public property not owned or under the control of that person, firm or corporation is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor, or a civil violation enforced through Chapter 1.15 SCC, and, in addition to any fine or penalty which may be imposed, is liable for all costs which may be assessed as set forth in SCC 8.10.210 for removing, abating, or enjoining the rubbish, trash, filth or debris. ... The city code enforcement officer, police officer, or prosecutor may file criminal or civil charges to enforce this section.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Initiative Ordinance 2026-01, approved by voters at the July 21, 2026 election).
Full Breakdown
15, for any person, firm or corporation to place rubbish, trash, filth or debris on private or public property they do not own or control. 210 to remove, abate or enjoin the material. 220(B) lets a code enforcement officer, police officer or prosecutor file either criminal or civil charges to enforce the section. 010(A) caps a class 1 misdemeanor at a $2,500 fine, six months in jail, or both, with each day a violation continues counted as a separate offense. 210(B) requires written notice by certified mail or personal service giving the property owner, occupant or lessee 30 days to clean it up, including the city's estimated removal cost and, optionally, a list of contractors who can do the work.
§ 9-499. 210(E) before the compliance or payment deadline passes; the council's decision on that appeal is final. 040 covers the same conduct within the solid waste chapter, so a single dumping incident can trigger enforcement and cost recovery under either provision.
Violations & Fines
A class 1 misdemeanor conviction under SCC 8.10.220(A) carries up to a $2,500 fine, up to six months in jail, or both under SCC 1.15.010(A), plus full liability for the city's removal and abatement costs under SCC 8.10.210, which become a lien on the property if unpaid within 30 days of notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the penalty for illegal dumping in Sedona?
Who enforces Sedona's dumping ordinance?
Does the city warn me before removing dumped material from my property?
Can I appeal if the city says I have to pay for cleanup?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sedona
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