Tacoma, WA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- TMC § 8.12.150
- Small dump (≤1 cu ft)
- class 3 civil infraction
- Large dump (>10 cu yd)
- gross misdemeanor
- Restitution
- up to 4x cleanup cost
- Dangerous litter
- class 1 infraction, any amount
Summary
Dumping litter or waste on public or private property in Tacoma is a civil infraction for small amounts and escalates to misdemeanor or gross-misdemeanor charges plus cleanup restitution for larger dumps.
It is a violation of this section to throw, drop, deposit, discard, or otherwise dispose of litter upon any public property or upon private property not owned by him or her or in the waters of this state whether from a vehicle or otherwise including but not limited to any public highway, public park, beach, campground, forestland, recreational area, trailer park, highway, road, street, or alley except:
a. When the property is designated by the state or its agencies or political subdivisions for the disposal of garbage and refuse, and the person is authorized to use such property for that purpose;
b. Into a litter receptacle in a manner that will prevent litter from being carried away or deposited by the elements upon any part of the private or public property or waters.
2. a. Except as provided in subsection (2)(b) of this section, it is a class 3 civil infraction as provided in RCW 7.80.120 for a person to litter in an amount less than or equal to one cubic foot.
b. It is a class 1 civil infraction as provided in RCW 7.80.120 for a person to discard, in violation of this section, potentially dangerous litter in any amount.
c. It is a misdemeanor for a person to litter in an amount greater than one cubic foot but less than 10 cubic yards.
d. It is a gross misdemeanor for a person to litter in an amount of more than 10 cubic yards.
3.
Full Breakdown
TMC § 8.12.150 prohibits throwing, dropping, or discarding litter, including illegally dumped solid waste, on public property or private property you don't own. Dumping one cubic foot or less is a class 3 civil infraction; more than one cubic foot but under 10 cubic yards is a misdemeanor; 10 cubic yards or more is a gross misdemeanor. Anyone found liable also owes a litter clean-up restitution payment, four times the actual cleanup cost for misdemeanors, twice for gross misdemeanors, split between the affected property owner and the investigating agency.
Violations & Fines
Civil infraction for small amounts up to gross misdemeanor for over 10 cubic yards; restitution of 2x–4x actual cleanup cost also ordered under TMC § 8.12.150.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is illegal dumping a crime in Tacoma?
Does Tacoma make dumpers pay for cleanup?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
Compare Tacoma to another location·View the Washington trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Illegal Dumping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle illegal dumping.