You've probably heard the term "illegal dumping" before. It's actually a legal term in some places, though its not always called "illegal dumping" by officials. Like in Texas, where the law has a different name, and has multiple different levels.

In Texas, there is what is called the Litter Abatement Act. It has multiple different levels of punishment, based on what and where you dump. You could be charged with everything from a Felony with jail time, to a Class C Misdemeanor that carries just a fine.

The City of Ennis Texas breaks down the punishments on their website:

State Jail Felony - If the amount dumped weighs 1,000 pounds or more or has a volume of 200 cubic feet or more OR if it was disposed for a commercial purpose and weighs 200 pounds or more or has a volume of 200 cubic feet or more, or is contained in a closed barrel or drum, the maximum penalty is:

-Confinement in a state jail for not more than two years, but not less than 180 days
-Additionally, an individual may also be fined an amount not to exceed $10,000

Class A Misdemeanor - If the amount dumped 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, OR if it was disposed for a commercial purpose and weighs more than five pounds but less than 200 pounds or has a volume of more than 5 gallons but less than 200 cubic feet, the maximum penalty is:

-Fine not to exceed $4,000
-Confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year
-Both fine and confinement

Class B Misdemeanor - If the amount dumped weighs more than 5 pounds but less than 500 pounds or has a volume of more than 5 gallons but less than 100 cubic feet, the maximum penalty is:

-Fine not to exceed $2,000
-Confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days
-Both fine and confinement

Class C Misdemeanor - If the amount dumped weighs 5 pounds or less or has a volume of 5 gallons or less, the maximum penalty is:

- Fine not to exceed $500

The thing about illegal dumping in Texas that many people miss, is that it doesn't matter if its on public or private land. That means if you dump illegal substances or objects on your own property, you can face these penalties.

But when it comes to public dumping, and even landfill use, here's a quick look at things you can't toss into Texas landfills...

5 Items Banned from Landfills in Texas

You cannot just throw these items away with you normal garbage.

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