Illegal Dumping & Litter Laws

Illegal dumping and littering are prohibited under Mississippi law and are enforced locally in the City of Moss Point in coordination with Jackson County and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.

Illegal dumping includes the unauthorized disposal of household garbage, construction debris, appliances, tires, yard waste, and other solid waste on public or private property. Dumping waste along roadways, in ditches, wooded areas, waterways, or vacant lots is illegal. Burning garbage outside of approved facilities and maintaining unauthorized dump sites are also prohibited.

Under Mississippi law, unauthorized dump sites are declared public nuisances. Individuals and businesses responsible for illegal dumping may face criminal charges, civil penalties, mandatory cleanup, and recovery of cleanup costs. Each day a violation continues may be treated as a separate offense.

Illegal dumping negatively impacts neighborhoods, property values, public health, wildlife, and the environment. Enforcement of these laws helps protect residents and preserve the quality of life in Moss Point.