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TCA 39-14-504

Offense of criminal littering

MISDEMEANOR BClass B Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply

What does this charge mean?

It is illegal to litter more than 5 pounds but no more than 10 pounds (or more than 7.5 cubic feet but no more than 15 cubic feet) of trash. A violation is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $500 fine. The court must also order you to remove litter from highways, parks, or public areas for up to 80 hours, and may require up to 8 hours of work at a recycling center.

Penalty Details

ClassificationClass B Misdemeanor
Maximum Jail6 months
Maximum Fine$500
Penalty SummaryClass B misdemeanor; 6 months; fine up to $500
(a) Criminal littering is littering in an amount more than five pounds (5 lbs.) in weight or seven and one-half (7.5) cubic feet in volume and less than or equal to ten pounds (10 lbs.) in weight or fifteen (15) cubic feet in volume. (b) Criminal littering is a Class B misdemeanor. (c) In addition to the penalties established in this section, the court shall require a person convicted under this section to remove litter from the state or local highway system, public playgrounds, public parks or other appropriate public locations for not more than eighty (80) hours. The court, in its discretion, may also require a person convicted under this section to work in a recycling center or other appropriate location for any stated period of time not to exceed eight (8) hours.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

MISDEMEANOR B
TCA Section39-14-504
Max Jail6 months
Max Fine$500
Recent Bookings8+

Geographic Distribution

Hamilton
5
Knox
3
Sullivan
2
Wayne
1
Shelby
1
Campbell
1
Bradley
1
Anderson
1