Stratford, CT Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

Stratford's dumping rules sit in two chapters. Chapter 182 (Solid Waste) governs waste placed anywhere other than in a container prepared for collection, and Chapter 133 (Littering) governs litter on streets, parks, water and private land.

Under § 182-6(A)(1), no person can place solid waste in any street, alley or other public place, or on any private property, whether the person owns it or not, except in proper containers or otherwise properly prepared for collection, unless the Director of Public Works gives express approval. The same paragraph bars throwing or depositing solid waste in any stream, sewer or other body of water. Section 182-6(A)(2) declares any uncontainerized accumulation of solid waste on any premises a nuisance, and failing to remove it within five days after written notice is a violation. Section 182-6(B) bars depositing waste where the elements can carry it into a street, sidewalk, alley or other public place. Other subsections ban hazardous waste in refuse containers (C), trespassing on Town dump land to scavenge (F), hauling garbage into the Town from outside for disposal or transfer without the Director's approval (G) and burning waste except as the Director approves (H).

Chapter 133 covers the rest. It bars litter on streets, sidewalks and other public places (§ 133-2), in parks (§ 133-8), in any body of water (§ 133-9), on occupied private property (§ 133-11) and on open or vacant private property whether or not the person owns it (§ 133-13). Section 133-2 also bars placing trash bags on business property exteriors or public places, including adjacent to public receptacles.

When the owner of a vacant lot is told to clean up, § 133-14 gives five days after receipt of written notice by registered mail. After that the Town can dispose of the litter and bill the owner. If the owner does not pay within 30 days, a sworn statement of the cost is recorded in the land records within 90 days and becomes a lien that can be foreclosed like a tax lien.