West Virginia § 61-3-53 - 61-3-53. Unauthorized use of dumpsters.
Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 61-3-53 — 61-3-53. Unauthorized use of dumpsters., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 61-3-53. 61-3-53. Unauthorized use of dumpsters.
(a) Any person who without authorization dumps garbage or trash, or assists in the unauthorized dumping of garbage or trash, in a dumpster or other solid waste container which is located on the property of another person and leased or otherwise owned or maintained by another person is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished in accordance with subsection (b) of this section. The act of throwing isolated objects into a dumpster or other solid waste container in the prevention or elimination of litter is specifically excepted from any penalties under this section.
(b) Any person convicted of a misdemeanor under subsection (a) of this section shall be subject to the following penalties:
(1) Upon a first conviction under this section, the defendant shall be fined not less than $50 nor more than $250.
(2) Upon a second conviction under this section, the defendant shall be fined not less than $250 nor more than $500.
(3) Upon any subsequent conviction in excess of a second conviction under this section, the defendant shall be fined not less than $500 nor more than $1,000, or imprisoned in the county jail not less than thirty days nor more than sixty days, or both fined and imprisoned.
Notwithstanding the provisions of section four, article eleven-a of this chapter or section two-a, article three, chapter fifty of this code, the magistrate or court may order restitution not to exceed the value of unauthorized solid waste services received.
Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 61-3-53
What does West Virginia Code § 61-3-53 cover?
Section 61-3-53 ("61-3-53. Unauthorized use of dumpsters.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite West Virginia § 61-3-53?
A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 61-3-53" (West Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of West Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.
How does West Virginia § 61-3-53 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.