How do I report illegal dumping in New South Memphis?

File a report through Memphis 311 online or by phone; include photos, exact location, and any vehicle details when possible.

Who enforces illegal dumping rules?

Code Enforcement and Solid Waste Services handle investigations and abatement; enforcement actions are based on the City Code and departmental procedures.

Will the city remove dumped waste on my property?

The city can remove illegally dumped material in some cases and may recover costs; eligibility and process are handled by the enforcing department and are case-specific.

Illegal Dumping Enforcement - New South Memphis

Environmental Protection Tennessee 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026

New South Memphis, Tennessee faces ongoing challenges with illegal dumping that affect health, property values, and neighborhood safety. This guide explains how local enforcement works, who enforces anti-dumping rules, how to report incidents, and practical steps residents can take to resolve and appeal enforcement actions. It summarizes official sources, complaint channels, and the typical administrative and civil procedures used by the City of Memphis to address unlawful disposal in neighborhoods like New South Memphis.

Penalties & Enforcement

Legal authority for addressing illegal dumping in Memphis is grounded in the City Code and municipal enforcement procedures; the consolidated ordinances set standards for littering, disposal, and nuisance abatement. For the controlling code text consult the municipal code and city enforcement pages for specific sections and terms of enforcement Municipal Code of Memphis^[1].

Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
Enforcer and complaint pathway: Code Enforcement and Solid Waste divisions enforce rules; complaints and requests for inspection are filed through Memphis 311 Memphis 311^[3].
Appeals and review: administrative appeal paths or court review are referenced in ordinance procedure language; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
Defences/discretion: permits, variances, or reasonable excuse language are not published on the cited pages for dumping; check the municipal code for exceptions.

If fines or time limits are critical for a case, request the specific ordinance section or case file from Code Enforcement.

Applications & Forms

Most citizen reports and service requests for illegal dumping go through Memphis 311 rather than a separate “dumping permit” form. For enforcement actions by the city, permit or variance forms are not specifically published on the general Solid Waste or Code Enforcement pages and therefore are "not specified on the cited page." Use the 311 portal or contact Code Enforcement to learn if a special application is required for an unusual cleanup or temporary disposal activity Memphis 311^[3].

Document photos, location, and timestamps before filing a complaint to preserve evidence.

How enforcement works

Typical enforcement steps used by the City of Memphis include inspection, issuance of an abatement notice or citation, order to remove waste, and, if necessary, city removal with cost recovery or civil action. Residents can report illegal dumping online or by phone; complaints create an inspection request and a recorded case number for follow-up.

Inspection and case opening by Code Enforcement or Solid Waste.
If violations are confirmed, notice to owner or responsible party to abate.
If not abated, city may remove material and assess costs to property owner.
Civil remedies or fines may follow according to ordinance procedures.

Always keep your 311 complaint number and follow up if inspection does not occur in a reasonable time.

Common violations

Discarding household bulk items or construction debris on public land or private lots without permission.
Abandoning appliances, tires, or hazardous containers in alleyways or vacant lots.
Illegal commercial dumping where haulers dispose of loads outside authorized facilities.

FAQ

How do I report illegal dumping in New South Memphis?: File a report through Memphis 311 online or by phone; include photos, exact location, and any vehicle details when possible. File a 311 report^[3]
Who enforces illegal dumping rules?: Code Enforcement and Solid Waste Services handle investigations and abatement; enforcement actions are based on the City Code and departmental procedures.
Will the city remove dumped waste on my property?: The city can remove illegally dumped material in some cases and may recover costs; eligibility and process are handled by the enforcing department and are case-specific.

How-To

Document the scene: take dated photos and note exact address or GPS coordinates.
File a complaint via Memphis 311 and obtain a case number.
Follow up with Code Enforcement or Solid Waste with the case number and any new evidence.
If ordered to abate, comply or file any administrative appeal within the time stated on the notice.

Key Takeaways

Report dumping quickly with evidence to improve enforcement outcomes.
Use Memphis 311 and keep your case number for follow-up.