What initiatives has the Department of Environment taken to combat this issue?

Prince George’s County residents can actively work towards changing their behavior and increasing their recycling knowledge and participation at home. At the same time, when traveling our roadways, do not throw unwanted items out of our windows or leave items outside of trash cans on parking lots in shopping plazas, gas stations, convenience stores, and the mall. Using public trash cans and encourages others to do the same. Hosting community clean-up days with a county-provided roll-off container can assist with lessening garage clutter that may lead to residents taking the risk of illegally dumping. Adopting sustainable living practices such as donating gently used unwanted items of clothing and furniture, reducing plastic packaged items, and reusing items as much as possible are additional ways to reduce litter and illegal dumping.

Illegal dumping impacts communities with unsightly garbage and waste alongside streets, within grassy areas, and on local roads and rivers. The funding to remove this debris impacts County agency budgets and services provided to residents. Environmental degradation impacts the health and wellness of our residents and their sense of place. 

Illegal dumping impacts communities with unsightly garbage and waste alongside streets, within grassy areas, and on local roads and rivers. The funding to remove this debris impacts County agency budgets and services provided to residents. Environmental degradation impacts the health and wellness of our residents and their sense of place. 

Prince George’s County residents can bring items to the two convenience station locations to dispose of unwanted items. Please refer to the list of acceptable items on this website.

Illegal dumping is the criminal act of intentionally disposing of unwanted items at any place outside of proper disposal locations or the County landfill. These locations include business dumpsters alongside County and State roads, dead-end streets, and private or public property.