Santa Clara County, CA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforced by
- Any peace officer
- Also covers
- Using another's refuse container
- Penalty track
- Admin fine or misdemeanor/infraction
Summary
Throwing away, dumping, or burying refuse anywhere but an approved disposal site is unlawful in unincorporated Santa Clara County.
It is unlawful for any person to throw away, deposit, or bury, or cause to be thrown away, deposited, or buried, any refuse, except at an approved disposal or collection area unless authorized by the Director. ... This section may be enforced by any peace officer.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
Unincorporated Santa Clara County's garbage and refuse chapter makes it unlawful for any person to throw away, deposit, or bury refuse anywhere except an approved disposal or collection area, unless the Director authorizes otherwise; using another premises's refuse container without written permission is also barred. Any peace officer can enforce this section directly. Under the chapter's enforcement provision, violations can draw a Notice of Violation and administrative fine, and the County may also pursue the matter as a misdemeanor or infraction.
Violations & Fines
Illegal dumping under this section can bring a Notice of Violation and administrative citation with a fine set by the Director, and the County may separately prosecute it as a misdemeanor or infraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I legally dispose of refuse in unincorporated Santa Clara County?
Who enforces illegal dumping in the unincorporated county?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara County to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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