Huntington Park, CA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

Dumping is regulated by two linked sections in Title 5, Chapter 11, Article 2 (Sidewalk and Street Maintenance). Section 5-11.05.2(a) makes it unlawful and a public nuisance to place, throw, drop, deposit, sweep, dump, or leave rubbish, refuse, garbage, a bulky item, waste matter, hazardous waste, solid waste, or offal on any street, highway, sidewalk, alley, right-of-way, or other public property, except in containers designated by the City. Section 5-11.05.3(a) then makes the owner, occupant, and person in control of real property in the City responsible for keeping the public right-of-way next to that property in a neat, clean, and orderly condition.

Enforcement officers are police officers, illegal dumping officers, code enforcement officers, or other officials designated by the City Council or City Manager. Before the City cleans up, the officer notifies the owner and occupants in person and in writing with a compliance period of 48 hours; imminent hazards skip that notice. If the work is not done, the City removes the waste without an administrative hearing and bills the owner of the subject property whether or not the owner or occupants put it there. The statement of abatement costs is served within 14 calendar days of completion and is payable within 30 calendar days of service. Unpaid costs can be collected by a nuisance abatement lien or a special assessment. The owner can appeal in writing to the City Clerk at 6550 Miles Avenue within 14 calendar days, with no filing fee, and the City Manager or designee holds a hearing no later than 60 calendar days and no sooner than 10 calendar days after the request. That decision is final, with judicial review under Code of Civil Procedure § 1094.6.

In lieu of billing actual costs, the City can impose the illegal dumping fee in subsection (f), and under subsection (g) it can withhold issuance or renewal of any license or permit while the fee stays unpaid.

Vehicles are covered too. Under § 5-11.23.4, a motor vehicle used for illegal dumping is a public nuisance subject to seizure and impoundment for up to 30 days when it was used in violating Penal Code § 374.3(h)(1) and the owner or operator has a prior conviction for the same offense within the past three years. Section 5-11.23.3 defines commercial quantities as an amount generated in a trade, business, profession, or occupation, or an amount equal to or in excess of one cubic yard.