Douglas County, CO Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- C.R.S. 18-4-511 littering
- First-offense fine
- $20 to $500 mandatory
- Repeat offense
- Up to $1,000 mandatory
- Covers
- Public and private property
- Alternative
- Court-ordered litter cleanup
Summary
Depositing trash, debris, or waste on public or private property is littering under Colorado law (C.R.S. 18-4-511), carrying mandatory fines from $20 up to $1,000 and possible cleanup duty. Douglas County and its towns also enforce local nuisance abatement.
Any person who deposits, throws, or leaves any litter on any public or private property or in any waters commits littering.
Full Breakdown
Illegal dumping in Douglas County is prosecuted primarily under Colorado's littering statute, which covers depositing any rubbish, waste, refuse, garbage, trash, or debris on public or private property or in waters. Convictions carry escalating mandatory fines: $20 to $500 for a first offense, rising to as much as $1,000 for repeat offenses, and courts may order the offender to gather litter for a set number of hours instead of part of the fine. There is an affirmative defense for using a proper receptacle or having the owner's written consent. On top of the state charge, the county and towns can abate dumped material and bill the responsible party.
Violations & Fines
Littering is a civil infraction under C.R.S. 18-4-511 with mandatory fines of $20-$1,000 depending on prior convictions, plus possible court-ordered litter cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for illegal dumping?
Does it count if I dump on my own land?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Douglas County
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