What Is Illegal Dumping?

Illegal dumping is dumping of any waste, whether it is hazardous material, furniture, appliances, trash, or landscaping cuttings, etc., being placed on any public right-of-way, city property or private property, without consent of the owner.

How The City Is Helping

Quality Control Team- Columbus Consolidated Government implemented a Quality Control Team that patrols neighborhoods and reports illegal dumping, along with investigate citizen complaints. To learn more information on how the Quality Control Team can assist you, please dial 311 for the Citizens Service Center.

Columbus Litter League- The Keep Columbus Beautiful "Columbus Litter League" is an annual partnership with local elected leaders to combat litter and build cleaner and safer communities. This event is held the first Saturday of March in alignment with the Great American Clean Up. Teams are based on the district of businesses, neighborhood groups, faith-based organizations, private clubs, civic organizations, and individuals. This event has been completed for 2021, however, we encourage you to connect with your district councilman and join their Litter League initiatives that expand throughout the year. To learn more details about the Columbus Litter League, click HERE. Stay tuned for registration details for the KCBC Columbus Litter League 2022.

Community Clean-Ups- Keep Columbus Beautiful host and partners throughout the year for monthly clean-ups in community parks and designated areas. We provide the supplies for the clean-ups, and assist in gathering volunteers for that date. If you are interested in starting a clean-up in your area, please email us at kcbc1987@columbusga.org.

Report Illegal Dumping

Help from the entire community is vital in helping catch and fine illegal dumpers! Our combined efforts will help deter illegal dumping and create a Peachy Clean Columbus.

The City encourages anyone who encounters an illegal dump site to report it immediately. If you observe someone illegally dumping, please take down the following information:

• Date, time and location of incident
• Description of vehicle and license plate number
• Description of person(s) dumping
• What items/materials were being dumped
• Your name and phone number (optional)

Report the information to the following agencies:

To report illegal dumping, please use the Columbus Recycles App or call the Columbus Citizen Services Building at 311, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. With adequate information and an eyewitness who is willing to testify, the City can and will pursue prosecution.

Legal Ordinances

Article VI. Litter

Section 13-153 Unlawful Activities

It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to dump, deposit, throw or leave, or to cause or permit the dumping, depositing, placing, throwing or leaving of litter on any public or private property in Columbus, Georgia, or any waters in Columbus, Georgia, unless:

1. Such property is designated by Columbus, Georgia, or by any of its agencies for the disposal of such litter, and such person is authorized by the proper public authority to use such property;
2. Such litter is placed into a litter receptacle or container installed on such property.
3. Such person is the owner or tenant in lawful possession of such property, or has first obtained consent of the owner or tenant in lawful possession, or unless the act is done under the personal direction of said owner or tenant , all in a manner consistent with the public welfare.