Illegal Dumping
Illegal dumping poses severe health and safety risks and places a heavy financial burden on property owners and taxpayers due to cleanup costs. In 2023, the City of Seattle allocated over $1.8 million to address illegal dumping. To tackle this issue, our Illegal Dumping program responds to complaints via the Find It, Fix It app and has established proactive daily routes to clean up hot spots throughout the city.
It is considered illegal dumping when any junk, garbage, or debris is left on public property, including roadsides, open streets, and paved alleys. The items most reported are TVs and computers, furniture, paints, solvents (and other potentially hazardous liquids), tires, garbage, yard waste, and construction debris.
The following map shows reports of illegal dumping on public property that are currently under investigation. The map does not show reports made for private property.
Data on this map is updated weekly and may not show recent reports you've made. If you reported illegal dumping over a week ago and do not see it on this map, the report has been closed and you should receive an email notification.
Help us identify these individuals
We are actively investigating illegal dumping incidents in your neighborhood. Using our enforcement cameras and community reports, we’ve identified the following individuals as persons of interest. If you recognize anyone in the images below or have information that could assist our investigation, please contact us at: Jeff Horan (Jeff.Horan@Seattle.gov).
Your input helps us keep Seattle clean and hold violators accountable.
Person Dumping Waste with a Wheelbarrow at Night
Report illegal dumping
You have several options. You can submit the online illegal dumping report form or use the Find It, Fix It mobile app. You can also call (206) 684-7587 to report problems on public property. For language interpretation, call (206) 684-3000. For historic landmark graffiti removal, call (206) 684-0228. Reports will be resolved in 10 business days.
Issues on private property
To report junk stored in or around private property, contact the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections Code Compliance Division through their Code Violation Complaint Form or Violation Complaint Line at (206) 615-0808.
Why you should report illegal dumping
Accumulation of rotten, decaying garbage attracts rats and other disease-carrying creatures. Dumping hazardous waste puts people's health at risk and can harm the environment. Illegal dumping can be associated with other forms of illegal activity. If tolerated, it sends a message to violators that it is allowable to dump garbage in your neighborhood or community.
Solving related problems
- Report abandoned vehicles in streets or alleys.
- Report illegal camping on public property by contacting the Customer Customer Service Bureau online or call (206) 684-2489.
- File a complaint about rodent infestations, rats in toilets, or rodents associated with illegal dumping of garbage and solid waste. Contact King County Environmental Health or call at (206) 263-9566