Antioch Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping Rules (2026)

Depositing waste on any public right-of-way, vacant lot, waterway, or private property without permission is illegal under Antioch Municipal Code Chapter 6-5 and California Penal Code §374.3. Penalty tiers under §374.3: first conviction $250–$1,000, second $500–$3,000, third and subsequent $750–$10,000. Courts may also impose community service (hours equivalent to the value of the fine), require the violator to clean up the dumped material, and order vehicle impoundment when a vehicle is used to dump more than one cubic yard. Commercial dumping (dumping from a business vehicle or by a business operator) carries enhanced penalties under §374.3(h) starting at $1,000 for a first offense. Antioch Code Enforcement accepts reports via the city's online reporting tool, phone (925-779-7063), and the FixIt Antioch app. Hotspots (alleys, dead-end streets, riverbank areas near the San Joaquin River) are monitored by Public Works and may have trail cameras. Hidden cameras and license plate captures are used to build cases. Dumping hazardous waste or more than 1 cubic yard can trigger felony charges under Health & Safety Code §25189.5 (hazardous waste) or Fish & Game Code §5650 (water pollution). Private property owners are responsible for cleaning up dumping on their lots and may recover costs from identified dumpers. The city's unsheltered dumping initiative coordinates with Contra Costa County to address encampment-related debris on public land.