A Serious Problem Everyone Suffers Because of Illegal Dumping Other Improper Disposal Methods Program for Proper Disposal of Unwanted Items Restrictions Tire Disposal Information Montgomery County Licensed Tire Haulers Hazardous Waste Disposal Other Programs and Services Penalties for Illegal Dumping

What is Illegal Dumping?

By definition, illegal dumping is the depositing of solid waste at other than an approved facility. You MAY NOT dispose of your trash in dumpsters or containers not owned by you, nor along roadways, in fields, wooded areas, stream valleys, parklands, or any other unacceptable location.

If you observe an act of illegal dumping, you can do something to help. Please record the tag number of the vehicle, a description of the vehicle and person(s) involved, the date and time of the incident, and most important of all, the exact location where the dumping occurred. Use this important information to call the Illegal Dumping Hotline: 240.777.DUMP (3867)*. A DEP investigator will return your call no later than the next business day. Your call can help put an end to illegal dumping and environmental abuse!

*All information is kept strictly confidential and is used only to assist in DEP’s investigation.

A Serious Problem

Illegal dumping is a serious problem in Montgomery County.  Each year, the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) investigates more than 450 incidents of illegal dumping and spends more than $100,000 for clean-up and enforcement.

When you think of illegal dumping you may imagine unsightly mounds of rotting trash, brush, furniture, and construction debris dumped along what is usually a pristine and scenic country road – or in a farmer’s field or behind a shopping center. The truth is that illegal dumping is much more!

Examples of illegal dumping not only include dumping trash along a roadway, vacant lot, field, or wooded area, but also the unauthorized use of a dumpster – or dumping chemicals, pesticides, used automotive fluids, and other pollutants into stormdrains, waterways, and on the ground.

Everyone Suffers Because of Illegal Dumping

Farmers suffer because fields and crops are destroyed, fences are cut, livestock is disturbed, and trash is dumped and must be removed.

Businesses suffer because extra trash pick-ups must be made at an average cost of $150 each, in addition to disposal costs. Those additional expenses incurred by illegal dumping are eventually passed on to the consumer.

Entire neighborhoods suffer because of illegal dumping. Not only is trash unsightly, but it harbors rats and other vermin, and can lead to a decline in property values and a loss of community self-respect. And trash is a magnet for trash – once dumping begins, it attracts additional trash, and more, and more...

Our environment suffers because of toxic pollutants being released into streams, woodlands, and wetland. Illegal dumping and discharges can also harm wildlife and children playing along streams and waterways.

And illegal dumping can kill. Public health and safety are seriously compromised because needles, glass, and other sharp or toxic objects can cause infection or physical injury.

DEP is supplying the following information to assist you in determining if a violation exists, who to contact to report a violation, and some useful hints for recycling and the proper disposal of solid waste.

Other Improper Disposal Methods

The following methods are unacceptable at any time for the disposal of solid waste:

• Burn Solid Waste
• Bury Solid Waste
• Drop-off Solid Waste (at any location other than a legal acceptance facility)

Programs for Proper Disposal of Unwanted Items

Solid Waste Transfer Station
16101 Frederick Road, Derwood
301.840.2370

Please note the following restrictions:

• Medical/pathological wastes, chemicals, pesticides, or any other hazardous or toxic waste may not be disposed of at any of the above facilities. For information about disposal of these materials, call either DEP at 240.777.7770, or the Division of Solid Waste Services at 240.777.6400.
• Motor Oil & antifreeze may be disposed of at the Solid Waste Transfer Station and at the Poolesville Satellite facility – not at the Damascus site. Waste motor oil may also be accepted at many participating service stations. Call your local service station for details.
• Auto batteries may be disposed of at the Transfer Station only.
• Tires:  Up to four passenger-vehicle sized tires may be taken to the Citizen’s Unloading Area at the Transfer Station at one time.

Additional Tire Disposal Information:

• Division of Solid Waste Services: 240.777.6400
• Maryland Department of Environment Scrap Tire Program:  410.631.3315
  

Montgomery County Licensed Tire Haulers:

• Jackson Tire Salvage - Gaithersburg: 301.749.9131
• Turbo Haul Inc. - Burtonsville: 301.421.9464
• G.D. Armstrong Co., Inc. - Laytonsville: 301.948.1900

Hazardous Waste Disposal

The Household Hazardous Waste program is open to Montgomery County residents with home-generated hazardous waste.  You may contact the Recycling Hotline for information concerning locations and future dates at 240.777.6400.

The County also offers a special disposal program for businesses and small quantity generators of hazardous waste called EcoWise. To participate in the program, you must register with the Division of Solid Waste Services by contacting 240.777.6400.

Penalities for Illegal Dumping

Illegal dumping is a serious offense and may result in criminal prosecution. Each case of illegal dumping is investigated. Illegal dumpers are subject to a minimum $1,000 civil fine and possible criminal prosecution.

Illegal dumping is an expensive problem – but legal disposal costs are minimal (if incurred at all). Montgomery County provides one of the most extensive solid waste and recycling programs in the nation; please refer to the locations and hours of operation listed to take advantage of these facilities and to properly dispose or recycle unwanted materials.

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