Solano County, CA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Base fine
- Mandatory $10, infraction
- Repeat-offense penalty
- Misdemeanor after qualifying prior
- Court-ordered cleanup
- 4 hrs (2nd), 8 hrs (3rd+)
- Enforcing agencies
- Sheriff, transportation dept., env. health
- Citation authority
- Penal Code §§ 853.5, 853.6
Summary
Dumping or discarding litter anywhere in unincorporated Solano County outside a lawful container or disposal area is an infraction under the county's Litter Control Program, carrying a mandatory $10 fine plus court-ordered litter cleanup duty on repeat offenses. A second conviction bumps the crime to a misdemeanor if it follows certain fish, game, health or vehicle code litter convictions.
It shall be unlawful for any person to throw, discard, place or deposit litter in any manner or amount on any public or private property in the unincorporated portions of the county, except in containers or areas lawfully provided.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 1868, passed April 9, 2026).
Full Breakdown
5-13(a). 5-11 as any quantity of uncontainerized paper, metal, plastic, glass or miscellaneous solid waste classed as trash, debris, rubbish, refuse, garbage or junk, and public property covers streets, sidewalks, alleys, parks, county waterways and other public land. 5-16 bans letting litter accumulate on a construction or demolition site before, during or after the project. 5-19. 5-13(b), a rebuttable evidentiary presumption built directly into the ordinance rather than a general negligence rule. 5-21(b) bars using private property in a way that creates a public health hazard, nuisance or fire hazard.
Violations & Fines
A first violation is an infraction carrying a mandatory $10 fine under Section 23.5-21(c). The offense escalates to a misdemeanor if it follows a prior conviction under Fish and Game Code Section 5652, Health and Safety Code Sections 13001 or 13002, or Vehicle Code Sections 23111 through 23113. On top of any fine, a court may order a convicted violator to pick up litter for at least four hours on a second conviction and at least eight hours on a third or later conviction, per Section 23.5-21(d).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fine for illegal dumping in unincorporated Solano County?
Does dumping on my own private land violate Solano County's litter law?
Who enforces Solano County's illegal dumping ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Solano County
California rules heatmap·Compare Solano County to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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