Illegal Dumping Rules - New South Memphis, TN

Public Health and Welfare Tennessee 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

New South Memphis, Tennessee residents and businesses must follow city rules for waste disposal and public health. Illegal dumping harms neighborhoods, creates health hazards, and may trigger enforcement by City of Memphis Code Enforcement and Solid Waste divisions. This guide explains how to report suspected illegal dumping, what enforcement actions may follow, typical violations, and practical steps to document and appeal enforcement decisions.

Penalties & Enforcement

City enforcement for illegal dumping in New South Memphis is handled through City of Memphis Code Enforcement and the Memphis 311 reporting system. For reporting and complaint intake use the official 311 process; see the municipal reporting page for submission methods and contact details[1]. The municipal pages that describe enforcement powers and penalties do not list a single consolidated fine table; specific monetary amounts are not specified on the cited page[2].

Report illegal dumps promptly and include photos, exact location, and any vehicle descriptions.
  • Enforcing department: City of Memphis Code Enforcement and Public Works / Solid Waste.
  • How to report: submit a 311 request online, by phone, or through city mobile reporting tools[1].
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; local ordinance references or ticket pages must be consulted for exact figures[2].
  • Escalation: the municipal pages do not provide a clear first/repeat/continuing offence schedule and so specific escalation ranges are not specified on the cited page[2].
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove material, abatement by city with cost recovery, property cleanup notices, and potential court actions are referenced as enforcement tools.
  • Appeals and review: formal appeal routes or time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited municipal pages; contact Code Enforcement for appeal procedures.

Applications & Forms

The city accepts reports through the 311 system rather than a specialized “illegal dumping” permit form; no dedicated cleanup permit form is published on the cited pages. To request municipal cleanup or to report a recurring dump site, file a 311 request as described on the reporting page[1].

Common Violations

  • Dumping household trash or bulk items on public land or private property without permission.
  • Disposal of construction debris or tires in unauthorized locations.
  • Leaving hazardous materials or appliances outdoors where they pose health risks.
Keep a record of the report number and any city response dates for appeals or follow-up.

Action Steps

  • Document: photograph the site, record date/time, and note vehicle details if present.
  • Report: file a 311 request via the official city page or phone line[1].
  • Follow up: keep the case number, request inspection, and ask for timeline for abatement.
  • Appeal: if you receive an enforcement notice and wish to appeal, contact Code Enforcement for formal appeal instructions (not specified on the cited page[2]).

FAQ

How do I report illegal dumping in New South Memphis?
File a report through the City of Memphis 311 system online, by phone, or via the city mobile reporting tools; include photos, location, and details.
Who enforces illegal dumping rules?
City of Memphis Code Enforcement, Public Works, and Solid Waste coordinate enforcement, inspections, and abatement actions.
What penalties could I face for illegal dumping?
Monetary fines and abatement costs may apply; exact fine amounts and escalation schedules are not specified on the cited municipal pages and require consultation of the enforcing office or ordinance text.

How-To

  1. Observe and document: take dated photos, note address or GPS, and any vehicle descriptions.
  2. Submit: file a 311 report through the City of Memphis reporting page or phone line and attach evidence.
  3. Request inspection: ask Code Enforcement or Public Works to inspect and provide the case number.
  4. Follow up and appeal: use the case number to request status updates and contact Code Enforcement for appeal procedures if you receive an enforcement notice.

Key Takeaways

  • Report illegal dumping quickly with photos and precise location to speed investigation.
  • Use Memphis 311 to document complaints and to request abatement.

Help and Support / Resources


  1. [1] City of Memphis 311 reporting and request system
  2. [2] City of Memphis Code Enforcement information