Illegal dumping
What is illegal dumping?
Illegal dumping is the intentional dumping of solid waste on public or private property without the knowledge or consent of the property owner. It includes littering along road rights-of-way.
Causing or allowing unauthorized dumping is illegal and may result in substantial penalties. Illegally dumping large amounts of debris or hazardous waste materials is a felony and those convicted face stiff penalties.
Common items illegally dumped include:
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Illegal dump sites can be found throughout Volusia County. Cleaning up these sites costs the county and its residents more than $100,000 annually. Three compliance officers from the Solid Waste Division police the 1,200 square miles of Volusia County to try to catch illegal dumpers.
Why is illegal dumping a problem?
When not addressed, illegal dump sites attract additional dumping.
It is not only ugly, but harms our water sources.
It poses a health risk to public health, aquatic habitat and wildlife.
It may include hazardous wastes such as asbestos, household chemicals or paint.
The health and safety of children who play around the dump site may be endangered.
It may create traffic hazards when dumped within the right-of-way.
Debris can block storm drains, causing flood areas.
It can decrease property values.
It contributes to the pollution problems in our county.
Help keep Volusia County a safe and beautiful place - Report illegal dumping!
Please report illegal dumping and dump sites to Volusia County Solid Waste compliance officers. They can enforce any local laws and ordinances that prohibit illegal dumping. They also can work with state officials to enforce state laws that prohibit dumping.
Our Solid Waste compliance officers are dedicated to investigating and resolving citizen reports of illegal dumping. While not every complaint can be solved quickly, be assured we are committed to investigating promptly and taking appropriate action.
You are encouraged to provide as much information as possible, including:
the date and time of the incident
the vehicle license plate number
a detailed description of the vehicle involved
a detailed description of the person dumping
the location (city, address, cross street, driving directions, etc.)
You may remain anonymous. We only ask for your identity so we can contact you in case we need more information to investigate your complaint and to provide you with information on the results of our investigation. Despite the best intentions, anonymous complaints often do not provide enough information to pursue the complaint properly. If you wish to remain anonymous and do not provide enough information, we will be unable to investigate your complaint thoroughly.
DO NOT APPROACH THE ILLEGAL DUMPER!
Report the information to Volusia County Solid Waste at 386-943-7889.
NOTE:
Accumulation of inoperable or junk cars parked in yards or other types of junk -- including discarded or used building materials, scrap metal, car parts, and old furniture -- stored outside in residential zones on private property should be reported to Code Enforcement at 386-736-5925.
Have you received a warning notice relating to solid waste?
If you've received a warning notice, we urge you to comply with its directives by the compliance deadline. If you believe you are not responsible for the violation, please read the notice carefully and contact the Volusia County Solid Waste at 386-943-7889 as quickly as possible.
If you have other questions relating to your notice, please contact Volusia County Solid Waste at 386-943-7889.
Throwing trash such as paper, bottles, cans and food containers on the ground is littering. Littering is illegal, harmful to the environment and just looks bad. The Solid Waste Division encourages residents to reduce litter and illegal dumping in our communities with one simple message - Don't trash it. Can It!
Place trash in a garbage can; it's that simple. You can do your part by following these simple tips:
- Don't just drop it. Walk the extra steps to a garbage can. Set an example by not littering.
- Cover and secure any vehicle, truck or trailer carrying a load.
- Don't throw trash out the car window. Keep a litter bag in your car.
- Securely cover trash and garbage containers to prevent wind or animals from spreading litter.
- Keep your yard clean and free of debris that can blow into the street and become litter.
- Make sure garbage bags are tied securely so that loose papers and other items don’t fall out and become litter.
- Do not overfill waste containers, as it will result in litter on the streets.
- When visiting parks and recreation areas leave the area clean for the next person to enjoy.
- Remove flyers or take-out menus from your car or front door before they are blown into the neighborhood as litter.
- Pledge to pick up one piece of litter every day.
- Organize a community cleanup event.
- Join Volusia County's Adopt-A-Road Program.
Just for kids
Here’s how you can help!
- Be sure your trash goes in the trash can, not just near it.
- Pick up after yourself at a picnic or a fast-food restaurant.
- Do your part to help pick up trash around your home and school.
- Never throw anything from a car or truck.
- Always set an example by not littering, no matter where you are.
- Encourage your schools to conduct on-going litter and recycling programs.
Comments or questions?
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