Shawnee County, KS Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Fine per occurrence
- $1,000.00, Sec. 28-44(b)
- Prosecuting office
- County counselor
- Reward program
- Up to $500.00, Sec. 28-46
- Reward authority
- K.S.A. 12-1672a
- Fine schedule cite
- Sec. 2-132(a)(7)
Summary
Dumping or abandoning trash, junk or personal property on someone else's land without permission is unlawful in Shawnee County and draws a flat $1,000.00 fine per occurrence under Sec. 28-44. The county also pays up to $500.00 through its 'Don't Trash Shawnee County' program for tips that identify a violator.
(a)The term "unauthorized dumping" means the act of dumping or abandoning trash, junk, or other personal property without permission or proper authority on the property of another.(b)Unauthorized dumping is unlawful and punishable by a $1,000.00 fine per occurrence.(c)Citations for unauthorized dumping may be issued by law enforcement officers or county code enforcement officers and shall be prosecuted by the county counselor.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 1).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 28-44(a) defines 'unauthorized dumping' as 'the act of dumping or abandoning trash, junk, or other personal property without permission or proper authority on the property of another,' and Sec. ' Citations can come from either a law enforcement officer or a county code enforcement officer, and the county counselor's office prosecutes the case (Sec. 28-44(c)). 00 figure is codified again in the county's general fine schedule at Sec. 00. A related but separate provision, Sec. 28-43(4) and (6), bars disposing of solid waste 'by open dumping or at a location not approved by the department' and bars maintaining open dumping on a property at all, as a distinct prohibited practice under the solid waste article.
Sec. A. 00 to anyone who provides information identifying a person or entity responsible for illegal dumping. 00 cap, and when it's paid. The county also posts signs at chronic dumping sites directing people to call the sheriff's office.
Violations & Fines
Unauthorized dumping carries a flat $1,000.00 fine per occurrence under both Sec. 28-44(b) and the fine schedule at Sec. 2-132(a)(7), prosecuted by the county counselor's office. Pursuant to K.S.A. 21-6604, a court convicting a defendant of a dumping-related crime can also order that defendant to repay any reward the county already paid the tipster who helped identify them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the fine for illegal dumping in Shawnee County?
Does Shawnee County pay for tips on illegal dumpers?
Who do I report illegal dumping to?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shawnee County
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