Law Offices of Matthew Cohan

Why a dumpster company works with a defense lawyer: illegal dumping

Getting rid of construction and cleanout debris the wrong way is not a small ticket in New York. Under New York Environmental Conservation Law section 71-2703, a violation that releases solid waste into the environment can carry a civil penalty of up to $11,250, plus up to $11,250 for each day it continues. When more than ten cubic yards are involved, the ceiling doubles to $22,500, plus $22,500 a day.

Since 2020, illegally dumping construction debris, or scheming to defraud to illegally dispose of solid waste, is a felony in New York, and the scheme charge carries up to 4 years in prison. The law was sparked by a Long Island case: more than 40,000 tons of contaminated fill dumped at Roberto Clemente Park in Brentwood, which kept the park closed for more than three years.

The simple way to stay on the right side of all of it is a licensed roll-off: we deliver the box, haul it to a licensed facility, and the disposal is on the record. If someone is already facing a dumping charge or a construction site dispute, that is a job for an experienced New York lawyer, not a dumpster company.

Sources: N.Y. Environmental Conservation Law section 71-2703 · New York State Senate: illegal dumping made a felony (2020)