ILLEGAL DUMPING……IT’S A CRIME
State Law Regarding Illegal Dumping/Littering
To report violations, for specific information about each of these code violations, or information on how to acquire an information brochure, M-F 8a.m. - 5p.m. please call (972) 875-1234 or Email.
After Hour contact the Ennis Police Department at (972) 875-1234 for illegal dumping currently occurring.
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!
Texas Litter Abatement Act
Fines for Illegal Dumping:
Class C Misdemeanor - If the amount dumped weighs 5 pounds or less or has a volume of 5 gallons or less, the maximum penalty is:
- Fine not to exceed $500
Class B Misdemeanor - If the amount dumped weighs more than 5 pounds but less than 500 pounds or has a volume of more than 5 gallons but less than 100 cubic feet, the maximum penalty is:
- Fine not to exceed $2,000
- Confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days
- Both fine and confinement
Class A Misdemeanor - If the amount dumped weighs 500 pounds or more, but less than 1,000 pounds, or has a volume of 100 cubic feet or more, but less than 200 cubic feet, OR if it was disposed for a commercial purpose and weighs more than five pounds but less than 200 pounds or has a volume of more than 5 gallons but less than 200 cubic feet, the maximum penalty is:
- Fine not to exceed $4,000
- Confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year
- Both fine and confinement
State Jail Felony - If the amount dumped weighs 1,000 pounds or more or has a volume of 200 cubic feet or more OR if it was disposed for a commercial purpose and weighs 200 pounds or more or has a volume of 200 cubic feet or more, or is contained in a closed barrel or drum, the maximum penalty is:
- Confinement in a state jail for not more than two years, but not less than 180 days
- Additionally, an individual may also be fined an amount not to exceed $10,000
Report Illegal Dumping In the City of Ennis
City of Ennis Health Department: 972-875-1234 8am-5pm M-F
North Central Texas Illegal Dumping Hotline: 1-888-335 DUMP 24
Ennis Police Department: 972-875-4462
THE CITY OF ENNIS IS SERIOUS ABOUT COMBATING THIS PUBLIC NUISANCE. DO YOUR PART AND HELP KEEP OUR COMMUNITY CLEAN AND HEALTHY.
What is Illegal Dumping?
Illegal dumping is the unlawful disposal of trash. It doesn’t matter if you own the property or not. Illegal dumping raises significant concerns regarding public health and safety, property values, and quality of life. Typical illegally dumped materials include: construction waste and debris, appliances, automobiles, auto parts, tires, yard waste, and household trash.
Dumping Hurts the Community:
Dumping trash in prohibited areas can cause public health and safety concerns. Broken glass, exposed metal and other dangerous materials can hurt children playing around illegally dumped debris. Rats, snakes, mosquitoes and other pests are attracted to and populate within dumped garbage. This debris washes into storm drains during rain.
Illegal dumpsites and roadside litter create a negative image of our community. Illegal dumping also creates more illegal dumping - people are much more likely to dump on property where trash already exists.
Cleanup costs can be very expensive. The Texas Department of Transportation spends $37 million a year in state tax dollars picking up roadside litter alone. Not to mention your local tax dollars.
Stopping illegal dumping makes good environmental sense and good economic sense. You can help solve the problem by working with the Village of Vinton to create a cleaner, healthier, and safer community. Don’t litter or dump and report those who do.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: I own the property. Don’t I have a right to do what I want on my own property?
A: NO. Dumping, even on your own property or storage of waste upon your property is unlawful. It has an effect on neighboring properties and the community. It lowers property values, breads vermin, is unsightly, is a hazard, and is against State laws.
Q: I just want to fill my property with backfill material to improve it. Is that OK?
A: That depends on the material used and whether or not you received the proper permits to allow the improvements. Remember, backfill material is NOT rocks, concrete curbing or slabs, green waste (yard debris), old bricks, asphalt, or other material classified as construction debris.
Q: Where can I get more information?
A: Contact the City of Ennis Department of Health Services before engaging in any activity that could be ruled as Illegal Dumping.
WE NEED YOUR HELP IN FIGHTING ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES
Someone may be illegally dumping by doing any of the following:
- Throwing litter out of a car or truck.
- Disposing of old cars, car parts, or tires into an arroyo or within close proximity of an arroyo or other waterway.
- Hauling trash for profit and dumping it on land that is not a legal landfill.
- Letting someone else dump waste on your property.
- Collecting or accumulating trash, yard waste, junked vehicles, old tires, or construction debris upon your property.
What Can I Do To Help. . .
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. Be sure to always us a tarp or other cover.
Spread the word to friends and neighbors that illegal dumping is a crime.