Environmental Spills & Complaints

Dumping is not allowed in storm sewers, ditches, gutters, or storm water ponds. Pollutants from dumping flow directly to rivers, creeks and lakes. The pollutants can cause toxic algae blooms, cause illness in animals and humans, and contaminate drinking water.

We investigate dumping and stains that show waste was dumped on streets, or in gutters and storm sewers to:

• Find out what was dumped and who dumped it
• Determine if there is a threat to people or the environment
• Make sure the problem is corrected

Get information about levels of pollutants in Dane County lakes, streams, and rivers on the Healthy Dane Water Quality Dashboard.

To report a concern, click the button below to fill out an online report. You can also call 608-266-4821.  

Report a Problem

What to report to us

• Concrete Waste: Wastewater from concrete truck chutes, water used for tool clean up, or dried residue in the gutter.
• Waste Water: Water that was dumped into the gutter from things like mopping and carpet cleaning.
• Used Cooking Oil: Spills from tipped over storage drums and containers filled beyond capacity.
• Automotive Fluids: Illegal dumping of motor oil or antifreeze. Vehicles that are leaking fluid.
• Paint: Wet paint or water from tool/brush clean up dumped in the storm sewer.
• Leachate: Rain that ran through a full dumpster, or liquids dumped in the trash leaking onto pavement.
• Sediment: Pit dewatering (pulling water out of construction excavation area) without proper filtration.
• Solid Waste: Mulch, soil, garbage, deposited in the street/gutter, or improperly stored waste.
• Restaurant Hood Cleaning Waste: Discharges of cleansers or grease washed off restaurant ventilation equipment.
• Pressure Washing Wastewater: Discharges from outside washing when the wastewater flows to the storm sewer.​​​

Illegal Dumping Blog Series

Read more about our illegal dumping cases in our blog series, with the latest five posts below. Subscribe to our blog so you don't miss future cases!