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Carson, CA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
CMC § 4105
Standard violation
Infraction
Commercial-quantity dumping
Misdemeanor, up to 6 months jail
Also allowed
Immediate administrative penalty

Summary

Carson bans dumping trash, debris or dead animals on any public or private property, with jail time possible for commercial-quantity dumping.

No person shall place, deposit, throw or dump, or cause to be placed, deposited, thrown or dumped any garbage, swill, cans, bottles, paper, ashes, dirt, sand, rock, cement, glass, metal, carcass of any dead animal, offal, refuse, plants, cuttings or trash, or rubbish of any nature whatsoever, or any nauseous, offensive matter in or upon any public or private road, highway, street, alley, public way, or any public or private property of any kind whatsoever. Any person, firm, or corporation violating this Section in "commercial quantities," as that term is defined in California Penal Code Section 374.3, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the County jail for not more than six (6) months.

Full Breakdown

Carson Municipal Code § 4105 prohibits placing, depositing, throwing or dumping garbage, swill, cans, ashes, dirt, rock, cement, dead animal carcasses, refuse or any nauseous matter on any public or private road, street, alley or other property. A standard violation is an infraction, but dumping in "commercial quantities" as defined by California Penal Code § 374.3 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in County Jail plus the fine set under that Penal Code section. Administrative penalties under CMC Article 1 Chapter 2 apply in addition to any other remedy.

Violations & Fines

Standard dumping is an infraction; commercial-quantity dumping is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in County Jail and a fine under Penal Code § 374.3, plus immediate administrative penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is illegal dumping always just a fine in Carson?
No. Dumping in "commercial quantities" under Penal Code § 374.3 is a misdemeanor with up to six months in County Jail, not just an infraction fine.
Can Carson issue an administrative fine on top of a dumping citation?
Yes -- CMC § 4105 allows an immediate administrative penalty in addition to any other remedy under the Code or state law.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Carson

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