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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:
- use the new reporting page, or
- call 206-263-9566, or
- email through Environmental Health's online services portal.
- When you call Public Health - Seattle & King County, your complaint will be assigned to an Health and Environmental Investigator who will contact you in the process of sorting out the issue. If you call after hours, please leave a message.
- 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 private property at 206-684-3000.
- Report illegal dumping on public property (city roadsides, parks, open streets, paved alleys) to Seattle Public Utilities or call 206-684-7587.
- If you aren’t sure, you can find help through the Seattle Customer Service Bureau.
- 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 online services portal (Seattle residents only).
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.