Wilmington, DE Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Fine range
- $250 to $1,000 per violation
- Jail exposure
- up to 30 days
- Only lawful disposal site
- city sanitary landfill
- Enforcing official
- public works commissioner
Summary
Dumping garbage, rubbish, refuse, or building material anywhere in Wilmington besides the city's sanitary landfill is illegal and carries a $250 to $1,000 fine, plus possible jail time.
No person shall dump or dispose of any matter or material covered by this division anywhere within the city, except at the sanitary landfill, unless otherwise authorized by the public works commissioner. Anyone violating this provision is subject to a fine not less than $250.00 nor more than $1,000.00, or by imprisonment for a period not exceeding 30 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.(b)Any person failing to comply with the regulations set forth in this division shall not be permitted to use the sanitary landfill for disposal purposes. Anyone violating this provision is subject to a fine of not less than $250.00 nor more than $1,000.00, or by imprisonment for a period not exceeding 30 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. (Code 1968, § 33-29.10)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 45-317 bars dumping or disposing of garbage, rubbish, refuse, building material, or other solid waste anywhere in the city except at the city's sanitary landfill, unless the public works commissioner authorizes another location. A violation draws a fine of not less than $250.00 nor more than $1,000.00, or imprisonment up to 30 days, or both. Anyone who fails to follow the division's disposal rules also loses the right to use the sanitary landfill, and that separate violation carries the identical $250-$1,000 fine and jail exposure.
Violations & Fines
Illegal dumping outside the sanitary landfill: fine of $250 to $1,000, up to 30 days in jail, or both, plus loss of landfill access for repeat noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I legally dump trash in Wilmington?
What happens if I dump waste illegally in Wilmington?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wilmington
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