Can my Texas neighbor put their trash in my garbage can? What state law says
It’s trash day, and you roll your garbage bin back up the driveway after it’s been emptied.
Later, you lift the lid and notice someone else’s trash inside.
Maybe it’s just one bag, or maybe it’s become a habit with a neighbor who keeps using your bin without asking.
If you’ve ever wondered whether that’s just rude or actually against the law, here’s what to know.
Can my Texas neighbor put their trash in my garbage can?
Under the Texas Health and Safety Code, people can’t put trash where it doesn’t belong, including in someone else’s trash can or dumpster without permission.
Doing so can also be considered theft of service because you’re using a waste disposal service someone else pays for.
Someone who violates those laws could face anything from a fine to criminal charges, depending on the circumstances.
The penalties vary based on factors such as how much trash was dumped and the type of offense.
What are the penalties for illegal dumping in Texas?
Illegal dumping can result in fines, jail time or both, according to the Texas Health and Safety Code
For household trash, the penalties include:
- Class C misdemeanor: Up to a $500 fine for dumping 5 pounds or less, or about the equivalent of a single small bag of trash.
- Class B misdemeanor: Up to a $2,000 fine, 180 days in jail, or both for dumping more than 5 pounds but less than 500 pounds.
- Class A misdemeanor: Up to a $4,000 fine, one year in jail, or both for dumping 500 to 1,000 pounds.
If the dumping involves hazardous materials, commercial waste or much larger amounts of trash, the offense can be charged as a felony, with fines that can reach $50,000 or more.
What should I do if my neighbor keeps putting trash in my garbage can?
Don’t confront them if you feel unsafe. Instead, start documenting what’s happening before you report it.
Documentation can include taking photos or videos, writing down the dates and times it happened, and noting identifying details such as the person’s vehicle, license plate or address.
That information can help local law enforcement investigate the complaint. Once you’ve gathered that information, report the issue to the appropriate city department.
Fort Worth residents can report illegal dumping by calling the city’s call center at 817-392-1234, submitting a complaint online or using the MyFW app.
In Arlington, residents can contact the City Action Center or submit a complaint through the city’s online reporting system.
If you’re in Dallas, the city says to call 311 to file a service request. Residents can also contact the city’s Illegal Dumping Hotline at 214-671-CODE for questions or updates on a reported case.
