SMITH COUNTY — If tree removal companies are caught illegally dumping tree debris on Smith County roads or vacant lots, they could face up to two years in a state jail facility or a fine. According to a news release from Smith County officials, businesses that are paid to remove trees cannot dump or burn them, said Tommy Goodman, the Smith County Sheriffâs Environmental Crimes Unit deputy. They must take them to a landfill or to businesses that grinds them up to make mulch or other products, he added.
Since the first bout of severe weather hit Smith County on May 23, county officials have been telling residents who live on county roads that they could push their tree debris out on the rights of way for the Road and Bridge Department to pick up. Continue reading County warns of illegal dumping of tree debris