Dumping of tires is illegal in Virginia. State law (§10.1-1418.2.B & 2.C. of the Code of Virginia) states:
- B. It shall be unlawful for any person to store, dispose of, speculatively accumulate or otherwise place more than 100 waste tires on public or private property, without first having obtained a permit as required by § 10.1-1408.1 or in a manner consistent with any local ordinance. No person shall allow others to store, dispose of, speculatively accumulate or otherwise place on his property more than 100 waste tires, without first having obtained a permit as required by § 10.1-1408.1.
- C. Any person who knowingly violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, any person who knowingly violates any provision of this section and such violation involves 500 or more waste tires shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.
These are criminal statutes enforced by local law enforcement officials and courts. If your property is the subject of illegal dumping, take these steps:
- Call your local police or sheriff. Request that an officer inspect the site, give them the information you know about the dumping (likely time, any evidence, etc.), and ask for a written report.
- Contact your local DEQ Regional Office and ask to speak with a member of the Land Protection and Revitalization Staff. They can explain your options which may include assistance from DEQ. Send them a copy of the police report. Support may be available for a self-cleanup option.
Old Tire Piles
Occasionally, people find old tire dumps on their property, especially in remote areas or when they purchase rural property. If you find such a pile, do not call the police or sheriff. Instead, contact the local DEQ Regional Office and ask to speak with a member of the Land Protection and Revitalization Staff. They will explain the criteria and may come to your property to conduct a site survey. They will ask you to sign two forms, if applicable, in order to place the tire pile on the clean up list.