Adams County, CO Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- CRS 18-4-511 (littering)
- First-offense fine
- $20-$500 mandatory
- Repeat fines
- Up to $1,000
- Covers
- Public & private property, waters
- Report to
- Public Works 720.523.6875
Summary
Depositing trash on any public or private property in Colorado is illegal littering under CRS 18-4-511, carrying a mandatory fine of $20-$500 for a first offense. In unincorporated Adams County, report dumping in a street or alley to Public Works at 720.523.6875.
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 unincorporated Adams County is handled through Colorado's littering statute and the county's code-compliance and public-works programs. CRS 18-4-511 makes it unlawful for 'any person who deposits, throws, or leaves any litter on any public or private property or in any waters,' covering roadsides, waterways, parks and residential, farm or ranch land. A first conviction carries a mandatory fine of not less than $20 and not more than $500 (rising for repeat offenses), with fine amounts adjusted annually for inflation; courts may substitute litter cleanup service. Dumped trash on a private lot is also environmental blight the county can abate. Report trash dumped in a street or alley to Adams County Public Works at 720.523.6875.
Violations & Fines
Littering is a civil infraction with a mandatory first-offense fine of $20-$500 ($50-$1,000 second, $100-$1,000 third), inflation-adjusted, plus possible court-ordered litter cleanup (CRS 18-4-511).
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the penalty for dumping trash?
Where do I report illegal dumping?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Adams County
Compare Adams County to another location·View the Colorado trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.