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A WM collection truck makes its rounds in a Fort Worth neighborhood to collect recycling bin contents set out on curbside.<\/p>\n
Photo courtesy of City of Fort Worth<\/p>\n
It\u2019s trash day, and you roll your garbage bin back up the driveway after it\u2019s been emptied.<\/p>\n
Later, you lift the lid and notice someone else\u2019s trash inside.<\/p>\n
Maybe it\u2019s just one bag, or maybe it\u2019s become a habit with a neighbor who keeps using your bin without asking.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve ever wondered whether that\u2019s just rude or actually against the law, here\u2019s what to know.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcf0 In case you missed it: <\/p>\n
Can my Texas neighbor put their trash in my garbage can?<\/p>\n
Under the Texas Health and Safety Code,<\/a> people can\u2019t put trash where it doesn\u2019t belong, including in someone else\u2019s trash can or dumpster without permission.<\/p>\n Doing so can also be considered theft of service because you\u2019re using a waste disposal service someone else pays for.<\/p>\n Someone who violates those laws could face anything from a fine to criminal charges, depending on the circumstances.<\/p>\n The penalties vary based on factors such as how much trash was dumped and the type of offense.<\/p>\n What are the penalties for illegal dumping in Texas?<\/p>\n Illegal dumping can result in fines, jail time or both, according to the Texas Health and Safety Code<\/p>\n For household trash, the penalties<\/a> include:<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n What should I do if my neighbor keeps putting trash in my garbage can?<\/p>\n Don\u2019t confront them if you feel unsafe. Instead, start documenting what\u2019s happening before you report it.<\/p>\n Documentation can include taking photos or videos, writing down the dates and times it happened, and noting identifying details such as the person\u2019s vehicle, license plate or address.<\/p>\n That information can help local law enforcement investigate the complaint. Once you\u2019ve gathered that information, report the issue to the appropriate city department.<\/p>\n Fort Worth residents can report illegal dumping<\/a> by calling the city\u2019s call center at 817-392-1234, submitting a complaint online or using the MyFW app.<\/a><\/p>\n In Arlington, residents can contact the City Action Center<\/a> or submit a complaint through the city\u2019s online reporting system<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re in Dallas, the city says to call 311 to file a service request. Residents can also contact the city\u2019s Illegal Dumping Hotline<\/a> at 214-671-CODE for questions or updates on a reported case.<\/p>\n Related Stories from Fort Worth Star-Telegram<\/p>\n
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