San Ramon, CA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- PC 374.3 Fines
- PC 374.3 fines $250-$3,000 plus cleanup
- Commercial-quantity Dumping is
- Commercial-quantity dumping is a misdemeanor
- Storm Drain/creek Dumping
- Storm drain/creek dumping adds Porter-Cologne penalties up to $10,000/day
- Property Owner Responsible
- Property owner responsible for cleanup on private land
- Report via MySanRamon
- Report via MySanRamon app or (925) 973-2800
Summary
Illegal dumping in San Ramon is prohibited under the municipal code and California Penal Code 374.3. Fines start at $250 for a first offense and escalate to $3,000+ plus cleanup costs and possible jail time. Report dumping to San Ramon Public Services or the Contra Costa County non-emergency line.
374.3. (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
3, Vehicle Code section 23111, and Health & Safety Code section 117555. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as illegal dumping?
How do I report dumping?
Who pays for cleanup on private property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Ramon
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Illegal Dumping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Contra Costa County handle illegal dumping.