Boulder County, CO Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- State statute
- C.R.S. 18-4-511
- Classification
- Class 2 petty offense
- First-offense fine
- $20–$500 mandatory
- Repeat fines
- Up to $1,000
- County track
- Land Use Code Article 14 abatement
Summary
Dumping trash on public or private land is illegal statewide under Colorado's littering law (C.R.S. 18-4-511), a class 2 petty offense with mandatory fines from $20 up to $1,000. On unincorporated county land, dumped rubbish is also a nuisance abatable under Land Use Code Article 14.
Littering ... is a class 2 petty offense punishable, upon conviction, by a mandatory fine of not less than twenty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars upon a first conviction, by a mandatory fine of not less than fifty dollars nor more than one thousand dollars upon a second conviction, and ... not less than one hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars upon a third or subsequent conviction.
Full Breakdown
Illegal dumping in Boulder County is punished on two tracks. Statewide, C.R.S. 18-4-511 makes littering of public or private property a class 2 petty offense; a peace officer must issue a summons and complaint (no penalty assessment). Separately, on unincorporated county land, dumped waste is 'rubbish' under Land Use Code Article 14, letting the county order removal and, on failure, abate at the owner's expense. Roadside and open-space dumping should be reported to the Boulder County Sheriff or Community Planning & Permitting (303-441-3930). Report toxic or hazardous dumping immediately.
Violations & Fines
Under C.R.S. 18-4-511, mandatory fine of $20–$500 (first conviction), $50–$1,000 (second), and $100–$1,000 (third or later). County abatement of dumped rubbish is also billed to the responsible property owner plus fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the penalty for illegal dumping in Colorado?
How do I report roadside dumping in the county?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boulder County
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