Shelby County, TN Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Dumping ban
- Sec. 44-88
- Citations by
- Officer or citizen
- County fine
- Up to $50/offense
- State law
- T.C.A. 39-14-501+
Summary
Shelby County Code section 44-88 prohibits throwing, dumping, or depositing litter on another's or public property, and section 44-92 fines violators up to $50 per offense. Illegal dumping is prosecuted in the Shelby County Environmental Court, and Tennessee's litter statutes (T.C.A. 39-14-501 et seq.) add escalating criminal penalties.
A person shall not throw, dump, deposit, or cause to be thrown, dumped or deposited, litter on property owned by another person, or on any public highway, street, or road, upon public parks or recreation areas, or upon any other public property, or maintain a nuisance on such property, except property legally designated for that use.
Full Breakdown
Under section 44-88, a person shall not throw, dump, deposit, or cause to be deposited litter on property owned by another, or on any public highway, street, road, park, recreation area, or other public property, except where legally designated. Section 44-90 makes a discarded object bearing a person's name prima facie evidence they dumped it, and section 44-91 attributes vehicle dumping to the driver. Section 44-93 lets a peace officer or private citizen who witnesses the offense initiate prosecution, and section 44-92 sets a fine up to $50, plus court-ordered litter removal. Cases are heard in the Shelby County Environmental Court. Tennessee's litter statutes (T.C.A. 39-14-501 et seq.) further grade littering by weight, with escalating misdemeanor and felony penalties.
Violations & Fines
Dumping litter, trash, appliances, or debris on public or private property without permission. County fine up to $50 per offense under section 44-92 plus court cleanup; state charges under T.C.A. 39-14-501 et seq. escalate to felony aggravated littering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can report or cite illegal dumping?
How bad can the penalty get?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shelby County
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