The City of Austin's Code Compliance team investigates illegal dumping and helps ensure our community is safe and clean. This page serves as a resource for options for disposing of waste properly and reporting illegal dumping.
On this page, you will find:
- What is illegal dumping?
- Reporting Illegal Dumping
- Consequences and Fines
- Disposal Options and Resources
- Related Ordinances
What is illegal dumping?
Leaving trash, brush, or other waste:
- On public or private property that is not a licensed waste disposal site
- In sewers or waterways
Allowing others to leave trash, brush, or other waste on your property that is not a licensed waste disposal site is also considered illegal dumping.
Reporting Illegal Dumping
See something, say something.
Report illegal dumping by calling:
- Austin 3-1-1 or on the Austin 3-1-1 mobile app, or
- Regional Environmental Taskforce Illegal Dumping Hotline at 1-877-NO-DUMPS (1-877-663-8677)
Consequences and Fines
Offenders may be required to clean up the dump site, pay a fine, and may be subject to jail. The property owner may be responsible for cleaning up the dump site even if they are not the offender.
Fines
Fines for illegal dumping vary and offenses can be categorized as a Class A, B, or C misdemeanor or a state jail felony depending on:
- the amount of waste
- the type of waste
- whether it was disposed of by an individual or a business
- whether they are a repeat offender
Offenses are outlined in (d) - (i) of Sec 365.012 of the State Health and Safety Code.
Disposal Options and Resources
- Residential
-
For household items Austin residents can:
- Schedule an on-demand pickup. Each service address can schedule up to three collections per service every calendar year.
- Schedule a drop-off at the Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center. You can drop off items to be recycled, reused or safely discarded.
- Hire a private hauler. View the City of Austin database for a list of licensed private haulers.
- Use the Austin Reuse Directory to find where to recycle, donate, sell and fix items.
Learn more about your residential services through Austin Resource Recovery.
- Commercial
-
For construction and commercial waste, Austin businesses can:
- Hire a private hauler. View the City of Austin database for a list of licensed private haulers.
- Use Travis County's Recycling and Waste Drop-off Locator.
- Use the Austin Reuse Directory to find where to recycle, donate, sell and fix items.
The Construction and Demolition Ordinance requires some construction and demolition projects to divert construction and demolition debris from the landfill and may apply to your project.
Related Ordinances
- Sec 365.012 of the State Health and Safety Code prohibits illegal dumping in the State of Texas.
- Chapter 6-5 of the Austin Code of Ordinances prohibits the discharge of garbage, sewage, and other waste into the stormwater system.
- Chapter 15-6 of the Austin Code of Ordinances regulates solid waste services, including private haulers.
- Chapter 15-10 of the Austin Code of Ordinances regulates wastewater disposal.