Avoid Jail and Fines – Keep Texas Beautiful

 

Violation Penalty
Non-commercial dumping (not for commercial purposes)
H & S 385.012 (d)* Under 5 lbs. / 5 gal. of liquid Fine to $500
H & S 365.012 (e)* 5 to 500 lbs.; 5 gal. to 100 cubic ft Fine to $2,000 Jail to 6 months
H & S 365.012 (f)* 500 to 1,000 lbs.; 100 to 200 cubic ft. Fine to $4,000 Jail to 1 year
H & S 365.012 (g)* Over 1,000 lbs./200 cubic ft. Fine to $10,000 State jail to 2 years
Commercial dumping (I.E., for purposes for economic gain)
H & S 365.012 (d)* Under 5lbs. / 5 gal. Fine to $500
H & S 365.012 (f)* 5 to 200 lbs.; 5 gal. to 200 cubic ft. Fine to $4,000 Jail to 1 year
H & S 365.012 (g)* Over 200 lbs. / 200 cubic ft. Fine to $10,000 State jail to 2 years
Both non-commercial and commercial dumping
H & S 365.012 (g)* Any waste contained in a closed barrel or drum Fine to $10,000 State jail to 2 years
Using someone else’s dumpster without permission carries the same penalties as illegally dumping the same amount of solid waste and can also be prosecuted under Texas Penal Code 31.04.
Dumping adjacent to water in the state
TWC 7.145* Dumping in or adjacent to water, including discharge form plant source Fine: $1,000 to
$100,000
Prison to 5 years
Waste oil dumping
TWC 7.176* (a)(1) Dumping into sewer or any water Fine: $1,000 to
$50,000
TWC 7.176* (a)(2) Dumping on ground or into landfill Fine: $1,000 to
$50,000
TWC 7.176* (a)(4) Dumping onto roads or land for dust suppression, weed abatement, etc. Fine: $1,000 to
$50,000
Dumping lead-acid batteries (car, boat, motorcycle, etc.)
TWC 7.185* Unauthorized disposal of lead-acid batteries Fine to $4,000
Jail to 1 year
Illegal outdoor burning
TWC 7.177 Burning in violation of Texas Outdoor Burning Regulations, 30 T.A.C. 111 (B) Fine: $1,000 to
$50,000
Jail to 6 months
*H & S refers to the Texas Health and Safety Code/ “TWC” refers to the Texas Water Code. Dumping medical waste and/or hazardous waste is generally a felony in Texas and not handled with a warming notice.