Tompkins County, NY Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- First offense
- $100-$500 fine, up to 15 days jail
- Repeat offense (1 yr)
- $500-$1,000, up to 6 months
- Governing law
- Tompkins County Code §§ 140-32, 140-33
- Hazardous waste dumping
- $500-$5,000 first offense
- Continuing violation
- Each day is a separate offense
Summary
Tompkins County Code § 140-32 bans disposing of solid waste anywhere except an authorized Part 360 disposal facility, and § 140-33 makes a first offense punishable by a $100-to-$500 fine and up to 15 days in jail, rising to $500-to-$1,000 and up to six months for a repeat offense within a year.
No person shall dispose of solid waste in the County of Tompkins except at: ... A disposal facility exempt from the requirements of 6 NYCRR Part 360 if its exempt status is unaffected by such disposal ... First offense. Conviction of a first offense under this article shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500, and/or a term of imprisonment not to exceed 15 days, together with restitution based on avoided disposal fees and cost of collection and hauling, and/or community service.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 140, Article IV, the county's Disposal law, was adopted in 1994 after the County Legislature found that illegal dumping along highways, in vacant lots and in other people's dumpsters poses an imminent hazard to public health, safety and welfare. Section 140-32A bars disposing of solid waste anywhere in the county except a disposal facility exempt from 6 NYCRR Part 360, or one authorized to accept the waste under Part 360 or a DEC or court order; a homeowner or farmer generally cannot dump their own residential or farm waste on their own land unless it is construction and demolition debris, ashes or yard waste.
Section 140-32B separately bars owning, operating or maintaining an unauthorized disposal area, § 140-32D bars dumping hazardous waste at any county-owned or operated facility, and § 140-32G bars placing waste in someone else's dumpster or garbage can without permission. Penalties escalate under § 140-33A: a first conviction under §§ 140-32A, B, C or G brings a fine of $100 to $500 and/or up to 15 days in jail, plus restitution for avoided disposal fees and hauling costs; a second or subsequent offense within a year brings a fine of $500 to $1,000 and up to six months in jail and becomes a misdemeanor.
Companies, partnerships and other entities face a $500 to $2,500 fine. Dumping hazardous waste under § 140-32D is a misdemeanor punishable by $500 to $5,000 for a first offense and $3,000 to $20,000, or up to six months in jail, for later offenses. Police officers, peace officers, the Solid Waste Manager and the Public Health Director enforce the article by appearance ticket, and the County Attorney can sue for restitution or an injunction.
Violations & Fines
A first illegal-dumping conviction under § 140-33A costs $100 to $500 plus up to 15 days in jail and restitution; a repeat offense within a year rises to $500 to $1,000 and up to six months, and becomes a misdemeanor. Dumping hazardous waste under § 140-32D carries $500-$5,000 for a first offense and $3,000-$20,000 for later ones. Each day of continued violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I legally dispose of solid waste in Tompkins County?
What's the fine for a first illegal dumping conviction?
Does the penalty go up for repeat offenders?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tompkins County
New York rules heatmap·Compare Tompkins County to another location·View the New York trash & recycling overview
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