Littering
415 ILCS 105/8 — a Class B misdemeanor, then Class A, and a felony on the third
No one may dump, throw, drop or leave litter on any public or private property, or in any river, lake, pond or stream, unless it goes in a receptacle meant for it, on property designated for it, or on property where the owner or tenant consents and no hazard or nuisance results.
Who handles this in Illinois: Illinois State Bar Association, Illinois Lawyer Finder; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Illinois directory.
| Conviction | Class |
|---|---|
| ConvictionFirst | ClassClass B misdemeanor, up to 6 months |
| ConvictionSecond | ClassClass A misdemeanor, less than one year |
| ConvictionThird or later | ClassClass 4 felony |
A court can order the litter removed at the person's cost, and someone who littered a public highway can be required to keep litter off a stretch of it for 30 days. Whether a particular charge fits is a question for a licensed Illinois attorney.
Sources for this section (4)
- 415 ILCS 105/4 — No person shall dump or leave litter on public or private property
- 415 ILCS 105/8 — Persons who violate any of Sections 4 through 7 are subject to the penalties set out in this Section
- 730 ILCS 5/5-4.5-60 — CLASS B MISDEMEANORS; SENTENCE
- 730 ILCS 5/5-4.5-55 — CLASS A MISDEMEANORS; SENTENCE
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Illinois attorney.