Sheboygan, WI Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

Section 102-10 sweeps broadly on what and where. It covers collectable or noncollectible residential, commercial or industrial refuse, recyclables and prohibited materials, and it names the places: any household, business, industry, government facility, church, school, or public or private lands. Private land is covered, so dumping on a neighbor's lot or a vacant parcel is within the section.

Chapter 102 defines the verb. To 'dump or abandon' is to deposit or dispose of collectable or noncollectable refuse or recyclables, prohibited materials, or commercial refuse or recyclables, in any place or in any manner, other than as provided by the chapter (§ 102-1). Prohibited materials are explosives; toxic metals and chemicals; asbestos products and wastes; solvents, thinners, and oil- or lead-based paint; fuel oils; gasoline tanks or cans and all liquid storage containers five gallons or larger; automobile, truck, and tractor tires; animal carcasses; infectious wastes and other hazardous wastes; and construction, demolition, and remodeling debris (§ 102-1).

Section 102-10 has no penalty of its own, so § 102-2(b) applies. A first offense within a 12-month period draws a forfeiture of not less than $50.00 or more than $250.00, a second not less than $100.00 or more than $500.00, and a third or subsequent not less than $250.00 or more than $2,000.00, together with the cost of prosecution. Any costs the city incurs for cleanup and disposal as a result of the violation are added as recoverable costs, and in default of payment the violator faces county jail until the forfeiture and costs are paid, not to exceed ten days.

Related rules close the gaps. Throwing, dropping or depositing litter on any street, alley, sidewalk, yard or premises, public or private, is unlawful (§ 102-5). Commercial haulers must comply with local and state law on proper collection and disposal and report volumes to the department of public works at least annually by April 1 (§§ 102-8, 102-9). Refuse or recyclables placed at the curb or alley line unsuitable for collection are collected by the department of public works after reasonable effort to give 48 hours' notice, and the expense plus 50 percent is assessed to the property owner as a lien (§ 102-2(a)).