Contra Costa County, CA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Penal Code
- 374.3
- Max misdemeanor fine
- $10,000
- Jail time
- Up to 6 months
- Vehicle impound
- Possible
- Cleanup liability
- Full actual cost
Summary
Contra Costa County Code Chapter 418-10 and Penal Code 374.3 make illegal dumping a misdemeanor with fines up to $10,000, possible jail time, and mandatory cleanup costs. County operates illegal dumping hotline.
(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.
Full Breakdown
Dumping waste on public or private property without consent is prohibited under Contra Costa County Ordinance Code Chapter 418-10 and California Penal Code Section 374.3. First offenses are infractions carrying fines of $250 to $1,000; subsequent offenses or dumping of more than one cubic yard elevates to misdemeanor with fines up to $10,000 and up to six months in county jail. Vehicles used in dumping may be impounded. The County Illegal Dumping Initiative and Contra Costa Sheriff's Office investigate reports, and the Department of Conservation and Development coordinates cleanup. Residents report dumping to the County hotline or through the SeeClickFix platform. Offenders are liable for actual cleanup costs, which can exceed the statutory fines for large-volume dumps. Hidden surveillance cameras are deployed at hotspots along Kirker Pass, Marsh Creek Road, and Vasco Road.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report illegal dumping?
Is dumping yard waste illegal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Contra Costa County
California rules heatmap·Compare Contra Costa County to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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