It’s illegal to throw these items in the trash in Fort Worth. See full list here
Did you know it’s illegal to throw away many household items in Fort Worth?
Besides the standard recycling and garbage rules, the city also has standards on what is and isn’t considered garbage. Throwing away items where they don’t belong is considered to be “illegal dumping.”
Here’s what you shouldn’t throw away in Fort Worth.
Materials banned from Fort Worth landfills
Hazardous household chemicals and construction debris are mainly what Fort Worth residents cannot throw away.
The full list:
Chemicals
Detergents
Petroleum products
Pesticides
Herbicides
Fertilizers
Tires
Barrels
Auto parts
Liquid waste
Used oil
Oil filters
Batteries
Explosives
Refrigerators
Air conditioners
Freezers that contain freon or other coolants
Hazardous waste materials can be thrown away at the local Environmental Collection Center at 6400 Bridge St. See the city’s website for proper drop-off instructions.
Construction debris should be dropped off at the Southeast Landfill at 6288 Salt Road.
Why does Texas have garbage guidelines?
Texas has guidelines as to what makes it in the trash because of stormwater runoff pollutants.
“Stormwater runoff enters storm drains during rain and discharges directly into the nearest body of water without any treatment to remove pollutants,” according to the City of Fort Worth website. “This is unlike the sinks and toilets in your home that drain to a water reclamation plant for treatment.”
Regulating what residents throw away protects the quality of Fort Worth water sources.
What happens if you break the law?
Illegal dumping falls under the Texas Litter Abatement Act.
Penalties include:
Class C misdemeanor — If the waste weighs five pounds or less or has a volume of five gallons or less. A maximum fine of $500.
Class B misdemeanor — If the waste weighs five pounds or more, but is less than 500 pounds or has a volume of more than five gallons but less than 100 cubic feet. A maximum fine of $2,000 and or confinement in jail for a maximum of 180 days.
Class A misdemeanor — If the waste 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. A maximum fine of $4,000 and or confinement in jail for a maximum of one year.
This story was originally published April 17, 2025 at 4:01 PM.