Illegal trash dumping uses classifieds

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Travis County Attorney's Office said stopping illegal dumping is serious and said tough times tempt people to break the law.

Hauling extra trash or unwanted material to the land fill can be expensive, some people have turned to online ads to find deals. Homeowners or business can find posts claiming they will haul off your load for $20 to $30 but not all are legit.

"Any time there is a pile of trash on the road, we will look at it forensically to determine where it came from, " said Travis County Criminal Investigator Dennis Rudder.

Some of those who post online will pick up your trash and drive down the street, just to dump it on the side of the road. If investigators track the trash back to you, which they can often enough, you'll be held responsible.

For those caught trying to run an illegal dumping business:  The fines and penalties can be up to
$250,000.