ETCOG Environmental Resources

Prepared in Cooperation with the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission

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Litter Abatement

Dumping trash in unauthorized locations is considered a real problem by local governments in East Texas. Costs for clean-up can run into the thousands of dollars, and sites that are not cleaned up can lead to a number of health and safety concerns. Illegal dumping also fosters a negative image in a community. People are much more likely to dump on property where a dumpsite already exists.

Stopping illegal dumping makes good environmental and economic sense, and it is everyone’s problem. Solve it by working together with your local law enforcement officials for a cleaner, healthier, and safer community.

Be a part of the solution, not the problem!

15 pounds or less or a volume of 13 gallons or less

Class C Misdemeanor

More than 15 pounds but less than 500 pounds or a volume of more than 13 gallons but less than 100 cubic feet

Class B Misdemeanor

500 pounds or more or a volume of 100 cubic feet OR Litter from a commercial entity weighing more then 5 or has a volume of more then 13 gallons

Class A misdemeanor

If a person has been previously convicted of violating this Act, that person’s punishment will be upgraded to the next highest category for any subsequent violation. For example, if a person has a prior conviction of a Class A misdemeanor, that person’s punishment will bumped up to a state jail felony the next time he/she is convicted.

Upgrading Charges and Felonies

Common Illegal Dumping Violations

1. Throwing litter out of a car or boat
2. Disposing of old cars by rolling them into a river
3. Hauling trash for profit and dumping it on land that is not a legal landfill
4. Letting someone else dump waste on your property, whether they pay you or not
5. Pouring used motor oil or restaurant grease into storm drains or down manhole covers

What You Can Do To Help. . .

Law enforcement officials need your help in fighting environmental crime. Citizens may illegal dumping by doing the following:

	Always dispose of your own litter properly and encourage others to do so, as well
	Do not transport unsecured debris in the back of a vehicle. Always us a tarp or other cover
	Spread the word to friends and neighbors that illegal dumping is a crime
	Organize volunteer cleanups of illegal dump sites. People are likely to litter in clean areas
	Write or call you local or county elected officials and let them know that illegal dumping is a concern in your community
	Report illegal dumping to the East Texas Illegal Dumping Hotline.

 

To Report Illegal Dumping:

The East Texas Council of Governments has set up a 24hr. hotline for the public in our fourteen county region.  If you see or know of illegal dumping going on in your city or county call 1-877-A-DUMPER