The City of Dubuque has an illicit discharge ordinance that was passed in 2004 prohibiting the discharge of illicit (illegal) substances into storm drains and other stormwater collection systems within the City of Dubuque. When waste is placed in a catch basin, street, or in a waterway it is the same as dumping it right into the Mississippi River as that is where the City’s storm sewers discharge. Placing waste in the river can have harmful consequences to the health of the river. Even yard clippings and leaves can lead to the loss of river habitat and fish kills.
Disposing of yard waste, trash, or any pollutant into a storm drain, street, or waterway is a violation of City of Dubuque ordinances and carries a potential fine of up to $1,000 per day per violation found.