Throwing This Away in Louisiana? 8 Illegal Trash Items That’ll Cost You Big Time

Think Before You Toss: 8 Things That Are Illegal (or Dangerous) to Trash in Louisiana

Did you know dumpster diving is illegal in Louisiana? That’s right—what might look like a treasure hunt in other states could actually land you a fine in the Bayou State. And speaking of trash, throwing your junk into someone else's dumpster? Yep, that’s illegal too.

But the trash talk doesn’t stop there. Some everyday household items are actually illegal or environmentally harmful to toss in your regular garbage. And with Louisiana's rivers, wetlands, and coastlines already under pressure, we can’t afford to be careless.

Here’s the dirty truth: Americans produce more than 292 million tons of trash every year, according to the EPA. And that number is growing. If we don’t start tossing smarter, it’s not just our landfills that will overflow—it’s our waterways and communities that will suffer.

Thankfully, Lake Charles is doing something about it. The city’s Team Green initiative is working hard to reduce waste and promote safe recycling across Southwest Louisiana.

️Check out the City of Lake Charles Recycling Schedule here and make sure you’re tossing things the right way.

But first, here are 8 things that should never go in your trash bin in Louisiana—and what to do with them instead:

1. Motor Oil
Used motor oil is flammable and toxic. Tossing it in the trash could contaminate soil and water. Most auto shops will take it off your hands, or you can drop it at a certified Household Hazardous Waste Facility (HHW).

2. Prescription Pills
Flushing pills is a hard no—they can end up in drinking water and hurt marine life. Find a local safe disposal location at disposemymeds.org.

3. Leftover Paint
Old paint that's flammable and full of chemicals. Let it dry out, then take it to a scrap metal recycler or HHW site.

4. Pesticides & Lawn Chemicals
In many cases, pouring chemicals down the drain or into the trash is illegal. Instead, take them to your local HHW facility.

5. Fluorescent Light Bulbs
CFL bulbs contain mercury, which can damage ecosystems if it leaks. Don't trash them—bring them to a recycling center or hazardous waste facility.

6. Mothballs
These tiny spheres are actually a pesticide. They’re so toxic they’re banned from landfills. Your best bet? HHW facility again.

⛽ 7. Gasoline
Even a small spill can pollute groundwater. Call your local fire department or auto shop, or safely store and drop it at a designated chemical disposal center.

8. Tires
You can’t just leave your old tires at the curb—they’re banned from landfills in Louisiana. Take them to a tire shop, recycling center, or parish waste site.

More About Louisiana Laws: Things Most People Didn't Know Were Illegal

What Is The Penalty For Dumping Illegal Trash In Louisiana?

If you don't want to be walking down I-10 with a trash bag, take illegal trash dumping seriously in Louisiana. Those convicted of litter violations face fines between $175 and $1,000 and up to 8 hours in a litter abatement work program. The same penalties go for trash flying out the back of a pickup truck, up to $175 in fines and court costs.

Want The Full List Of Things That Are Illegal To Through Away?

Pro Tip: Stay in the know on trash-taboo no-nos like batteries, E-waste, and even more items you didn’t know should never go in the dump or landfills. Download the Lake Charles Green Guide for easy recycling tips and safe disposal info. Click here to download the guide.

Let’s all do our part to keep Louisiana clean, safe, and beautiful!