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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

Requirement
Penal Code §374.3 fines: $250-$3,000+ and potential jail
Requirement
Registered vehicle owner presumed liable for vehicle dumping
Requirement
Richmond hotline: 510-620-6509
Requirement
Surveillance cameras deployed at chronic hotspots
Requirement
Cleanup liens can be placed on uncooperative private properties

Summary

Richmond has a persistent illegal dumping problem along industrial corridors and undeveloped parcels and aggressively prosecutes offenders under RMC Chapter 9.28 and California Penal Code §374.3, with fines up to $3,000 and potential jail time. The city operates a dedicated illegal dumping hotline and surveillance program.

(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. If the court finds that the waste matter placed, deposited, or dumped was used tires, the fine prescribed in this subdivision shall be doubled.

Source: CA Penal Code §374.3View official code

Full Breakdown

Illegal dumping is a high-priority enforcement issue for Richmond, which has suffered from chronic dumping along Richmond Parkway, industrial areas in North Richmond, the waterfront, and vacant lots in the Iron Triangle. 3, dumping waste matter on public or private property without consent is an infraction on first offense ($250-$1,000), a misdemeanor on second ($500-$1,500), and escalates to $3,000+ and up to six months jail for repeat or commercial-volume dumping. Dumping from a vehicle creates a presumption the registered owner is responsible. 28 supplements state law with administrative citations up to $1,000 per day for property owners who allow dumped material to remain.

gov; reports can include photos of vehicles and license plates. Richmond has deployed motion-activated trail cameras at known dumping hotspots; footage is used for prosecution by the Contra Costa DA. Mattress and appliance dumping is especially targeted because both have free or low-cost legal disposal through Republic Services bulk pickup. Cleanup liens can be placed on private properties where owners refuse to remove dumped material. The city's Code Enforcement Division, Public Works, and Police Department coordinate on enforcement. Community cleanup events organized through the Richmond Neighborhood Coordinating Council also address dumping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I see illegal dumping?
Call 510-620-6509 or report online with photos and a license plate if possible. Do not confront the dumper. Police response varies with severity.
Am I liable if someone dumps on my vacant lot?
Property owners are required to keep their land free of dumped material. Code Enforcement will issue a Notice of Violation and ultimately place a cleanup lien if ignored, but you can pursue a civil claim against the dumper if identified.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Richmond

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