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Tazewell County makes scavenging from dumpsters a punishable offense
Summary
After a public hearing featuring residents and the sheriff, the Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance prohibiting scavenging and interfering with servicing of trash receptacles. The draft made the offense a Class 1 misdemeanor; board discussion included alternatives and enforcement discretion.
The Tazewell County Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance March 3 that makes scavenging from trash receptacles and interfering with their servicing unlawful conduct.
County attorney (speaker 4) presented the draft amendment to chapter 17 of the county code, which as drafted creates a Class 1 misdemeanor for scavenging or impeding retrieval or maintenance of receptacles. He noted other jurisdictions use civil fines up to $500, but the draft before the board carried the misdemeanor language.
Sheriff’s office representatives and other speakers supported enforcement to stop scavengers who, the sheriff said, had left trash scattered and taken mail and other items. Some board members urged caution about criminalizing poverty; one supervisor suggested a graduated approach with a civil penalty for a first offense and elevated consequences for repeat violators. The county attorney said such a tiered approach could be drafted, but advised the board to receive public input first.
After public testimony and discussion of enforcement discretion, the board voted to adopt the ordinance as presented. The sheriff noted officers already exercise discretion and often issue warnings or require cleanup rather than seek maximum penalties.
