If you're dumping trash illegally here in Wichita Falls, get ready for some heavy fines thanks to a new dumping ordinance going into effect September 3, 2015.

The Wichita Falls City Council has amended the current dumping order allowing for a hefty increase in fines for anybody caught dumping trash illegally. The City's Code Enforcement Division will process violations and tickets can now reach up to $4,000 for each offense.

The amendment will read "No person shall deposit, place or dump or cause to be deposited, placed or dumped refuse at a place that is not an approved solid waste receptacle including on a public street, alley, right-of-way, other public property or private property, or into an inland water of the State within the corporate city limits."

The city urges that you never approach someone seen illegally dumping. Citizens can help out by photographing potential violators, including the vehicle used and the license plate if possible. Photos can be used as evidence by filling out an "Outside Complaint Form" at the Municipal Court.

If you see someone in the process of dumping material illegally, you can contact the Code Enforcement Office at 940-761-8841, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

If you see someone dumping illegally during off hours or the weekend, call the non-emergency number for the Wichita Falls Police Department, 940-720-5000.

More information about the amendment can be found by contacting Code Enforcement and Housing Administrator Rita Miller at 940-761-8841.

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