Prevent Illegal Dumping in Your Dumpster
Learn how to keep people from using your dumpster with our top tips.
What Is Illegal Dumping?
Illegal dumping is the disposal of waste in an unauthorized location, like someone’s yard, an alley, a public right-of-way or a dumpster. Sometimes called fly-tipping (tossing trash “on the fly,” usually from a car) or midnight dumping, illegal dumping is different from littering:
- Littering is the act of tossing small amounts of trash, like a plastic bottle, in public places, such as the street, parks or on sidewalks.
- Illegal dumping is the act of disposing of large amounts of waste, like appliances, household furniture, yard waste and hazardous materials, in any public right-of-way or private property without permission.
Why Is Illegal Dumping So Bad?
Illegal dumping is a serious issue because it:
- Pollutes water, soil and air: When hazardous waste is illegally dumped, it makes its way into streams, rivers and lakes and contaminates the soil, affecting vegetation and food supplies.
- Damages wildlife habitats: By polluting the environment, illegal waste endangers wildlife. Water pollution decreases oxygen for aquatic animals, and wildlife on land may eat trash or become trapped by debris, like plastic.
- Causes fires and floods: Trash can be flammable, especially when toxic and hazardous debris mix, causing fires. Illegally dumped waste can also block waterways, resulting in flooding.
- Affects people’s physical and mental health: Tossing trash illegally creates an unsafe environment for humans, too. Disease-carrying insects and animals are drawn to debris piles, bringing illnesses into communities, and pollution affects mental health by creating an unsafe, unlivable environment.
Additionally, tossing waste in someone else’s dumpster can result in fees for the bin’s owner. Illegal dumping in a dumpster leaves less room for the owner's trash, which may cause them to overload the container. The owner then can face overage fees if their dumpster weighs more than their weight limit allows.
Consequences of Illegal Dumping in a Dumpster
There are many consequences of illegal dumping, including environmental damage, public health risks and decreases in property value. Due to this, throwing trash in someone else’s dumpster without their permission is a misdemeanor or felony, depending on where you live.
Legal consequences of midnight dumping vary across municipalities. In New Jersey, you face up to $50,000 in fines and arrest. You could also lose the vehicle you used to transport the waste. In California, you can be fined up to $20,000.
What Are the Effects of Illegal Dumping?
If you’ve ever been a victim of illegal dumping, you know how frustrating it is. Not only does the extra trash take up space in your bin, but you can be hit with additional charges in the following situations:
Exceeded Weight Limit
If your container goes over the weight capacity on your rental agreement, you might see overage charges on your account.
Overloaded Containers
With extra materials on top of your daily trash, debris might fill up past the top of the container or spill over the sides, resulting in overloading fees.
Prohibited Items
Illegal dumpers probably don’t care what’s allowed in your container. If they toss prohibited materials, the landfill can charge extra to safely sort the waste.
How to Prevent Illegal Dumping in Your Container
Combat illegal dumping in your dumpster with the following tips.
Top Tips to Secure Your Dumpster
No matter where your bin is located, use the following security tips to prevent someone from using your container.
1. Use Dumpster Locks
Ask our team about locks and gravity bars to secure your dumpster.
2. Place a Warning Sign
Put signs near the dumpster to warn outsiders about illegal dumping fines.
3. Check Your Bin Daily
Look for unexpected debris and oversized items and report them immediately.
4. Light It Up
Place your dumpster in a well-lit area, either near streetlamps or temporary lighting.
How to Protect Your Roll Off Dumpster at Home
1. Cover Your Bin
Place a tarp over your container when no one is working.
2. Avoid Street Placement
If possible, keep your dumpster away from high-traffic areas that are hard to secure.
3. Ask Your Neighbors
Reach out to your neighbors to note any unauthorized dumping in your bin.
How to Prevent Illegal Dumping on Your Jobsite
1. Fence Your Site
Add a locked, temporary fence around your jobsite to keep unwanted guests out.
2. Cover Your Container
Place a tarp over your dumpster to prevent people from using it when you’re not working.
3. Plan for Security
Consider installing security cameras or hiring night staff to monitor your site.
How to Secure Your Front Load Dumpster
1. Build an Enclosure
Put your bin in a corral with a locked gate. Just make sure it's unlocked before pickups.
2. Ask Your Neighbors
Reach out to other businesses on your street to keep an eye out for suspicious dumping activity.
3. Install Security Cameras
If you suspect illegal dumping, consider surveillance to catch culprits.
How to Report Illegal Use of Your Dumpster
If someone dumped waste in your dumpster without your permission, report the illegal dumping online with the following information:
Location
Note the address and placement of your container.
Date of Incident
Provide the date and timeframe of the illegal dumping, if possible.
License Plate Number
Prioritize this information to help authorities identify the culprits.
Description of Person or Vehicle
Jot down physical features and clothing items along with the make and model of the vehicle.
More Dumpster Rental Resources
From dumpster placement tips to waste strategies for your business, check out the following resources for renting a dumpster:
Homeowner Resources:
Contractor Resources:
Business Resources:
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