Placer County, CA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Placer County Code § 8.16.150
- Misdemeanor fine
- Up to $1,000 or 6 months jail
- Civil penalty
- Up to $500/day, $100,000 per violation
- Vehicle dumping
- Registered owner presumed responsible
- Traced litter
- Owner billed for pickup costs
Summary
Dumping waste matter on public or private property you do not own is a misdemeanor or infraction under Placer County Code § 8.16.150. Vehicle owners face a rebuttable presumption of guilt, and anyone whose litter is traced to them owes the county's pickup costs on top of any fine.
A. It is unlawful to litter or cause to be littered, or dump or cause to be dumped any waste matter in or upon any public or private highway or road, including any portion of the right-of-way thereof, or in or upon any private property into or upon which the public is admitted by easement or license or upon any private property without the consent of the owner, or in or upon any public park or other public property other than property designated or set aside for such purpose by the governing board or body having charge thereof. ... D. In the event litter is found with evidence denoting ownership or origin of the litter, the owner of such litter shall be responsible for all fees and charges associated with its pickup.
Full Breakdown
150 (Littering) makes it unlawful to litter or dump any waste matter on a public or private highway or road, including the right-of-way, on private property the public is admitted to by easement or license, on private property without the owner's consent, or on public park land not set aside for dumping. It separately bars dumping rocks or dirt on a private road or property without the consent of the agency or owner with jurisdiction. A private property owner is not barred from using their own land, but the deposited waste still cannot create a public health nuisance, degrade surface or ground water, or create a fire hazard.
010: a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both, or, at the enforcement officer's discretion, as an infraction with a fine capped under Government Code § 25132. The county may additionally pursue a civil penalty of up to $500 per day per violation, capped at $100,000 per violation and $250,000 total, recoverable in an action by county counsel or the district attorney. 010(D).
Violations & Fines
A code enforcement officer or peace officer may issue a citation identifying the section violated, the facts of the violation, and an appearance date. For dumping from a vehicle, proof the vehicle was the source plus proof of the defendant's registered ownership creates a rebuttable presumption the registered owner committed the violation (§ 8.16.150(C)). Where litter carries evidence of ownership, such as letters or receipts, the owner is billed for pickup costs (§ 8.16.150(D)). Civil remedies under state law apply in addition to criminal penalties (§ 8.16.430).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dumping trash on my own property illegal in Placer County?
What is the penalty for illegal dumping in unincorporated Placer County?
Can I be cited for dumping from my truck even if I was not caught in the act?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Placer County
California rules heatmap·Compare Placer County to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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