Troup County, GA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

Sec. 7.3(1)(a) bars dumping, depositing, throwing or leaving litter on any public or private property or waters in the County, with narrow exceptions: property designated by the state or County for disposal and used with authorization, litter placed in a proper receptacle, or action by the property's own owner or tenant, or with their consent. Under (1)(b), the names and offenses of people convicted are published in the County's legal organ. Section 7.3(2) separately requires any vehicle to be loaded so nothing can blow or fall off onto a road, street or public place.

Evidence rules in (3) make it prima facie evidence of a violation when litter is thrown or dumped from a moving vehicle, boat, bicycle or airplane, and create a rebuttable presumption of guilt when discovered litter contains letters, bills or other items bearing a person's name. Penalties in (4)(a) run through the County magistrate court under O.C.G.A. § 36-1-20(b): a minimum $100.00 fine for a first offense, up to a $1,000.00 fine or 60 days' imprisonment, or both, for any violation. Courts may also order a violator under (4)(b)-(c) to personally pick up and remove litter, including litter left by others, from up to one mile of public road or from private property where the violation is proven. Enforcement under (5) is open to any state or County law enforcement or code enforcement officer.