San Rafael, CA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Ban covers
- Private & public property
- First offense fine
- Up to $100
- Repeat offense fine
- Up to $500
- 3rd+ violation
- Chargeable as misdemeanor
Summary
Dumping, burying, or abandoning solid waste on private property, streets, parks, or waterways in San Rafael is banned outright, punishable by escalating fines up to $500 and misdemeanor charges for repeat offenses.
Except as authorized in this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to: 1.Throw, bury, deposit, or cause to be thrown or deposited, any solid waste, or allow any collection of same to remain in or upon any private property, public right-of-way, alley, sidewalk, park, watercourse, waterway, levees or banks of watercourses or waterways, or upon any premises whatsoever other than a CalRecycle approved solid waste facility, operation, activity, or property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).
Full Breakdown
SRMC §9.19.050 bars dumping, burying, or depositing solid waste on private property, public rights-of-way, sidewalks, parks, watercourses, or any premises other than a CalRecycle-approved solid waste facility. It separately bans dumping, placing, or burying waste on any city lot, street, or alley without a solid waste facility permit or exemption from Marin County's local enforcement agency, concurred in by CalRecycle. Recyclable materials may never be dumped or buried under any circumstance. Overflowing or accumulated waste that creates a nuisance is a separate violation, with the property owner held responsible for safe, sanitary storage.
Violations & Fines
First violation: up to a $100 fine under SRMC §9.19.400. A second violation of the same provision within 12 months: up to $200. A third or later violation in that period: up to $500, and it can be charged as a misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dumping trash on someone else's property illegal in San Rafael?
What's the penalty for illegal dumping in San Rafael?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
California rules heatmap·Compare San Rafael to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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