Official web site for City of Corpus Christi, Texas
ILLEGAL DUMPING ENFORCEMENT
The disposal of solid waste is a violation and is a nuisance and potential health and safety hazard. A person, or the person's agent or employee, may not dispose or allow or permit the disposal of any solid waste at a place within five thousand (5,000) feet of the city's boundary, including on or within three hundred (300) feet of a public road, right-of-way, any portion of the municipal separate storm water sewer system, park or coastal waters, including tributaries to the coastal waters.
Prosecution of illegal dumping offenders is possible only when there is evidence such as photographs, license plate numbers, descriptions of offenders and their vehicle that link an individual(s) to the offense. Public participation is necessary to gather evidence in order to STOP the illegal dumping taking place in neighborhoods throughout Corpus Christi. Neighborhood watch groups and neighborhood associations can assist by observing their neighborhoods and calling the Code Enforcement Office at 980-2007 with illegal dumping information.
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Click here for more information on disposal of tires. |
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES DEPARTMENT ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
(361)826-3030
Fax: (361)826-3011
If identification is found in a particular dump site, continued investigation takes place and the offender is pursued. The illegally dumped materials are collected by Hot Shot Crew on the right-of-way. The violator or owner of the trash can receive a collection fee on their utility bill. Criminal charges can also be filed.
Proper waste disposal is part of every citizen's responsibility and paying for proper disposal goes hand in hand with that responsibility. Those of us who comply with the law should not pay for cleaning up after those who do not.
PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAM
The City of Corpus Christi Neighborhood Services Department Enforcement Program conducts public education for neighborhood groups, school and other organizations who are interested in learning how they can assist in strengthening illegal dumping enforcement. Together we can help clean our city from litter and illegal dumping.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Enforcement officers are not the only people who can put an end to illegal dumping. Help stop these crimes by teaming up with neighbors and local officials.
- Report any illegal dump sites and illegal dumping to the City of Corpus Christi Neighborhood Services Department Enforcement Program illegal dumping hot line number at 980-2007.
- Report the license plate numbers of any vehicles involved in illegally dumping or suspicious behavior indicating potential illegal dumping.
- Spread the word to your friends and neighbors that illegal dumping is a crime with penalties. You don't have to take this in your neighborhood.
- Invite the City of Corpus Christi Neighborhood Services Department Code Enforcement Officer to speak to your neighborhood group or school about litter laws and illegal dumping. Call 826-3019.
- Be responsible for your waste. Always dispose of your own litter properly. Do not transport unsecured trash and debris in your own vehicle -- what blows out becomes litter.
- Properly dispose of all your household hazardous waste. Solid Waste Services has quarterly hazardous waste collection events. Call 857-1631.
- Properly dispose of your used tires.
LOCAL ILLEGAL DUMPING
In 2007, more than 690 sites comprising of over 525 tons of illegally dumped materials were cleaned up the City Hot Show Crew. This clean-up is extremely expensive and ultimately costs the taxpayers money. It currently costs approximately $220,645 annually in staff time and equipment to clean up illegal dump sites.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR ILLEGAL DUMPING
Any person that intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence illegally dispose of solid waste shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a Class C Misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than two thousand dollars ($2,000 per violation) a day. We need citizens to take photographs and videos, and act as witnesses, in order for prosecution to take place.
Help be our "eyes" and "ears" in the community. Please write down anything suspicious you see and call 826-3030 or 980-2007.
