Illegal Dumping The Department of Public Works has a new weapon in the war against illegal dumping. There is a reward of up to $500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of an illegal dumper. For the first time, the Environmental Crimes Unit awarded a cash bounty for information that led to the capture and successful prosecution of an illegal dumper. The next check could be awarded to you. We are committed to making the District inhospitable to illegal dumpers. We created the Environmental Crimes Unit, in conjunction with the Metropolitan Police Department, to give more force to our effort to stop illegal dumping. Trash and debris is considered illegally dumped when: Piles of debris are not in proper containers and not at a proper point of collection. Trash is put out disregarding proper sanitation practices. Trash is placed on a vacant lot or on public property. To report illegal dumping, please call the Mayor's Citywide Call Center at 311 and provide the following information: The location of the dumping Make, model and license tag number of the vehicle used to carry the items to the site Time and date when the dumping occurred Once notified, Sanitation Enforcement follows these procedures: Inspects the area Writes a ticket to owner of trash or owner of property Gives the owner 14 days to respond to ticket and/or abate the problem Helpful Tips The fine for illegal dumping varies and may be as high as $5,000. A reward is available for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of illegal dumpers. Information We Need from You Location of the problem Any available information on an illegal dumper Hours of Operation 6:45 am - 3:15 pm, Monday through Friday We Will Investigate Within 5 days We Will Resolve Within 7-48 days Holiday Schedule DPW is closed on all government holidays. To Request Services Call the Mayor's Citywide Call Center at 311. Service Request Center