Martinez, CA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- Penal Code 374.3 fines up to $3,000 for a third offense; $10,000 for commercial
- Vehicle
- Vehicles used to dump >1 cubic yard subject to impoundment
- Limit
- Up to 24 hours community service cleanup ordered by court
- Rule
- Report to Martinez Public Works at (925) 372-3580
- Fee
- Legal disposal: Contra Costa Transfer Station, 951 Waterbird Way
Summary
Illegal dumping on public property, vacant lots, or waterways within Martinez is prohibited under Municipal Code Chapter 8.10 and California Penal Code section 374.3. Violations can result in misdemeanor charges, fines up to $3,000 for a first offense under state law, mandatory cleanup costs, and vehicle impoundment when a vehicle is used to dump more than one cubic yard of waste.
374.3.
(a) It is unlawful to dump or cause to be dumped waste matter in or upon a public or private highway or road, including any portion of the right-of-way thereof, or in or upon private property into or upon which the public is admitted by easement or license, or upon private property without the consent of the owner, or in or upon a public park or other public property other than property designated or set aside for that purpose by the governing board or body having charge of that property.
(b) It is unlawful to place, deposit, or dump, or cause to be placed, deposited, or dumped, rocks, concrete, asphalt, or dirt in or upon a private highway or road, including any portion of the right-of-way of the private highway or road, or private property, without the consent of the owner or a contractor under contract with the owner for the materials, or in or upon a public park or other public property, without the consent of the state or local agency having jurisdiction over the highway, road, or property.
(c) A person violating this section is guilty of an infraction. Each day that waste placed, deposited, or dumped in violation of subdivision (a) or (b) remains is a separate violation.
(e) A person convicted of a violation of this section shall be punished by a mandatory fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) upon a first conviction, by a mandatory fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) upon a second conviction, and by a mandatory fine of not less than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) nor more than three thousand dollars ($3,000) upon a third or subsequent conviction.
Full Breakdown
Dumping waste, debris, construction material, furniture, appliances, tires, or green waste on any public street, park, watercourse, or private property without consent is prohibited under Martinez Municipal Code Chapter 8.10 and California Penal Code 374.3. State law classifies illegal dumping as an infraction or misdemeanor depending on volume and intent. Fines under Penal Code 374.3 begin at $250-$1,000 for a first offense, $500-$1,500 for a second, and up to $3,000 for a third or subsequent offense. When commercial quantities are involved, fines can reach $10,000.
Penal Code 374.3(h) authorizes impoundment of a vehicle used to dump waste matter in a quantity greater than one cubic yard. Cleanup costs are recoverable from the violator, and courts may order up to 24 hours of community service cleaning up dump sites. Martinez Code Enforcement, Public Works, and Contra Costa County Sheriff all respond to illegal dumping complaints.
Residents can report illegal dumping to the Martinez Public Works Department (925-372-3580) or through the city's online reporting portal. Photographs and license plate information significantly aid investigation. Legitimate disposal options include Republic Services bulky-item pickup (two free per year), the Contra Costa Transfer Station at 951 Waterbird Way in Martinez, and the HHW facility at 4797 Imhoff Place for hazardous materials. Tires must be taken to a certified waste tire facility and cannot be placed in carts.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Martinez
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Illegal Dumping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Contra Costa County handle illegal dumping.