Most people wouldn’t think twice about throwing trash in a garbage can.
Unfortunately, not everyone disposes of waste responsibly.
When paint, oil, yard waste, chemicals, appliances, or even household trash are dumped on vacant lots, roadsides, drainage ditches, or near storm drains, rain can carry pollutants into nearby streams, rivers, and lakes.
Illegal dumping isn’t just unsightly—it can have lasting impacts on water quality, wildlife, and public infrastructure.
What is illegal dumping?
Illegal dumping is the disposal of waste in places where it doesn’t belong.
Examples include:
- Household trash left along roads or in parks
- Furniture or appliances dumped in open areas
- Used motor oil poured onto the ground
- Paint or chemicals emptied into storm drains
- Tires abandoned in ditches or vacant lots
- Construction debris dumped near waterways
- Yard waste piled in drainage channels or along creek banks
Even materials that seem “natural,” such as grass clippings or leaves, can cause problems when dumped where stormwater carries them away.
Why does illegal dumping affect water quality?
When it rains, stormwater flows across streets, parking lots, lawns, and open ground.
As it moves, it picks up pollutants left behind.
Depending on what was dumped, stormwater can carry:
- Oil and fuel
- Paint and solvents
- Lawn chemicals
- Sediment
- Plastics
- Bacteria
- Nutrients
- Heavy metals
These pollutants can eventually reach local waterways, where they may harm fish, wildlife, and aquatic habitats.
Dumped materials can also block storm drains, culverts, and drainage channels, increasing the risk of localized flooding.
Common misconceptions
“One small pile won’t matter.”
Most illegal dumping happens a little at a time.
Many small actions across a community can add up to significant pollution.
“It’s just yard waste.”
Leaves, grass clippings, and branches can block drainage systems and release nutrients into waterways as they break down.
“Rain will wash it away.”
That’s exactly the problem.
Stormwater carries pollutants downstream rather than making them disappear.
What should you do instead?
Protecting water quality starts with proper disposal.
- Use your regular trash or recycling service whenever possible.
- Take household hazardous waste to approved collection events or facilities.
- Dispose of used motor oil, antifreeze, and automotive fluids through approved recycling programs.
- Compost leaves and other yard waste instead of dumping them in drainage areas.
- Follow local guidance for disposing of bulky items such as furniture and appliances.
If you see illegal dumping
Never put yourself in danger to investigate or confront someone.
If you witness illegal dumping or discover pollution entering a storm drain or waterway, report it to your local community using the appropriate reporting process.
Providing the location, a description of the material, and photographs (when it is safe to do so) can help crews respond more quickly.
Protecting our waterways is a community effort
Stormwater connects neighborhoods to streams, rivers, and lakes.
Keeping waste out of drainage systems protects water quality, reduces flooding, and helps keep public spaces clean for everyone.
The right place for waste is a trash can, recycling bin, compost pile, or approved disposal facility—not a storm drain, roadside, or ditch.
Our water. Our responsibility.
Looking for more ways to protect water quality?
Visit Prevent Pollution Around Your Home to explore other everyday actions that help reduce stormwater pollution.