City of Waco, Texas

Litter

Section 16-96 of the City of Waco Code of Ordinances simply states that "No person may throw or deposit litter or junk on occupied, unoccupied or vacant privately owned property within the city." "No person may accumulate or allow to accumulate litter, junk, rubbish or garbage on occupied, unoccupied or vacant privately owned property within the city."

Typical violations of this ordinance include accumulation of trash, wood debris, building and fencing materials, indoor furniture, appliances, tires, car parts, and other related materials. Residents are asked to bring their properties into compliance by removing such items within a designated time frame. If the problem is not resolved, legal action could be taken in Municipal Court. Litter and junk are defined as follows:

Litter shall mean garbage, refuse and rubbish and all other waste material which, if thrown or deposited as prohibited in this article, tend to create a danger to public health, safety and welfare.
Junk shall mean all worn-out, worthless and discarded material, including odds and ends, old iron or other metal, glass and cordage.

Open Storage

It shall be unlawful for the owner or occupant of a residential building, structure, or property to utilize the premises of such residential property for the open storage of the following items, including but not limited to, ice box, refrigerator, stove, glass, carpet, upholstered furniture, tires, auto parts, building rubbish or other similar items. It shall be the duty and responsibility of every such owner or occupant to keep the premises of such residential property clean and in compliance with this section.

Illegal Dumping

Illegal dumping harms the environment and creates a danger to public health and safety. Violators caught illegally dumping trash and debris are ticketed immediately. Residents are asked to record license plate numbers of illegal dumpers and to report the incident to Waco Central immediately, making it easier for police to catch the culprit. To report Illegal Dumping, call (254) 299-CITY (2489).

Residents can properly dispose of any items at the Cobbs Convenience Center, 44th and Cobbs Drive, (254) 751-8536. Also the City of Waco regularly sponsors a Household Hazardous Collection Day once a year.