Reports of illegal dumping in the state have decreased during the past few years because of tougher laws and an increase in environmental awareness among residents. To prevent improper waste disposal, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality accepts complaints from individuals who witness illegal dumping.
Callers can submit the complaint anonymously or leave their name.
During the three to four years prior to that, we received an average of 1,000 to 1,500 complaints each year. Mississippi cracked down on this illegal activity in 1994 by raising the penalty on unauthorized dumping. The law penalizes people who unlawfully dispose of non-hazardous and hazardous waste along the roads, in waters of the state or on private property unless the property owner has given written consent. Disposal on private property must not create a public nuisance or be in violation of other state laws. The attorney general or district attorney may prosecute for any of these charges.