San Ramon Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping Rules (2026)

Illegal dumping, the disposal of waste on public or private property without permission, is prohibited by San Ramon Municipal Code and by California Penal Code section 374.3, Vehicle Code section 23111, and Health & Safety Code section 117555. Penal Code 374.3 makes dumping commercial quantities (more than one cubic yard) a misdemeanor punishable by: first offense $250-$1,000 fine; second offense $500-$1,500; third or subsequent $750-$3,000, plus up to six months county jail for repeat commercial dumpers. The court must also order the violator to remove the dumped material and may impose community service cleaning up dump sites. Dumping from a vehicle triggers Vehicle Code 23111 and can add points to the driver's record. San Ramon Code Enforcement investigates reported dumping on private property and issues administrative citations; dumping on city streets, parks, open space, or creeks is referred to the Contra Costa County Sheriff substation and the District Attorney's environmental crimes unit. The city also participates in the Contra Costa Clean Water Program NPDES permit, under which illegal dumping into storm drains or creeks is a separate violation with fines up to $10,000 per day under the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act. Evidence (mail, receipts, labels) found in dumped material is commonly used to trace violators. Property owners are responsible for cleanup of material dumped on their land, though they may pursue civil recovery against identified dumpers. Report illegal dumping to San Ramon Public Services at (925) 973-2800 or through the city's MySanRamon app.