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Illegal dumping
Learn how to file a complaint about illegal dumping.
About illegal dumping in King County
Illegal dumping is the dumping of solid waste onto the surface of the ground or into the waters of the state, except at a permitted disposal site. It's known in the regulations as "unlawful" dumping. Solid waste includes garbage, rubbish, abandoned vehicles or parts, demolition and construction waste, and recyclable materials, to name a few.
How to file a complaint
For King County residents outside of Seattle:
- Report incidents of illegal dumping within King County:
- If you have or see rats associated with illegal dumping, learn more about rodent control
For City of Seattle residents:
- Report overflowing garbage cans and large bins at 206-684-3000
- Report illegal dumping on either of the following resources:
- File a complaint about rat infestations, rats in toilets, or rats associated with illegal dumping of garbage and solid waste: call 206-263-9566 or email through Environmental Health's Permit Center (Seattle residents only)
Check complaint status
If you have been contacted that Public Health is handling your illegal dumping complaint, you can view the status of your complaint online. Note that you need to have an account to track the status or to save the complaint number.
Why illegal dumping is a public health problem
- Decomposing garbage and other solid waste can provide food and a home for rats, other rodents, and other disease vectors. A vector is an insect or animal that has the potential to carry disease.
- Illegal dumping can directly impact people’s health, as well as contaminate the soil and our water supply. This can create downstream health effects on people and the environment.
- By creating eyesores on our streets, illegal dumping reduces our quality of life, property values, and a feeling of safety and well-being in our communities.