San Bernardino County, CA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- County Code Ch. 28, Art. 8
- First infraction fine
- $100
- Commercial dumping max fine
- $10,000
- Max jail term
- 6 months
- Enforcement
- Land Use Services, Sheriff, Fire, Solid Waste
Summary
Dumping waste on public or private land in unincorporated San Bernardino County is an infraction or misdemeanor, with fines up to $3,000 for commercial-quantity dumping.
Any person convicted of a misdemeanor for illegal dumping of commercial quantities of waste matter in relation to this Chapter shall be punished by a mandatory fine of not less than $500.00 and not to exceed $3,000.00 upon a first conviction, by a mandatory fine of not less than $500.00 and not to exceed $6,000.00 upon a second conviction, and a mandatory fine of not less than $500.00 and not to exceed $10,000.00 or imprisonment in the County jail for a period of not more than six months...upon a third or subsequent conviction.
Full Breakdown
County Code Chapter 28, Article 8 makes illegal dumping of waste matter an infraction or misdemeanor in the unincorporated area. A first infraction runs $100, rising to $200 and then $500. A misdemeanor conviction can run up to $1,000 first offense, up to $1,500 second, and up to $3,000 third or later, or up to six months in jail. Dumping commercial quantities (a cubic yard or more, or trade-generated waste) is always a misdemeanor, with mandatory fines from $500 up to $10,000. Each day dumped waste stays in place is a separate violation, and convicted dumpers must also pay cleanup costs.
Violations & Fines
$100-$500 fines for littering/infractions; up to $3,000 and 6 months jail for misdemeanors; up to $10,000 for commercial-quantity dumping
Frequently Asked Questions
Is illegal dumping a crime in unincorporated San Bernardino County?
What's the maximum fine for illegal dumping here?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.