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About illegal dumping in King County

Illegal dumping is the dumping of solid waste onto the surface of the ground or into the waters of the state, except at a permitted disposal site. It's known in the regulations as "unlawful" dumping. Solid waste includes garbage, rubbish, abandoned vehicles or parts, demolition and construction waste, and recyclable materials, to name a few.

How to file a complaint

For King County residents outside of Seattle:

For City of Seattle residents:

Why illegal dumping is a public health problem

  • Decomposing garbage and other solid waste can provide food and a home for rats, other rodents, and other disease vectors. A vector is an insect or animal that has the potential to carry disease.
  • Illegal dumping can directly impact people’s health, as well as contaminate the soil and our water supply. This can create downstream health effects on people and the environment.
  • By creating eyesores on our streets, illegal dumping reduces our quality of life, property values, and a feeling of safety and well-being in our communities.
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