Santa Monica, CA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Storm drain dumping
- Unlawful: any solid or liquid waste
- Street/public area dumping
- Unlawful: liquid waste on streets, sidewalks, bike paths, public parking lots, parks, beach, Pier
- First-offense fine
- $250
- Second offense (within 1 year)
- $500
- Third+ offense (within 1 year)
- $1,000
- Each day violation continues
- Counts as a separate violation
Summary
Dumping solid or liquid waste in storm drains, streets, sidewalks, public parks, or the beach is unlawful in Santa Monica, with fines starting at $250 and escalating to $1,000 for repeat offenses, plus possible jail time.
§ 7.48.130. Dumping of liquid and solid waste.
(b) It is unlawful for any person to dispose of any solid or liquid waste in any storm drain.
(c) It is unlawful for any person to dispose of any liquid waste in or on any street, sidewalk, bike path, public parking lot, public park, the beach, the Santa Monica Pier, or any public receptacle.
(e) Any person violating this Section...shall be guilty of an infraction, which shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars per violation, or a misdemeanor, which shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars per violation, or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period not exceeding six months or by both such fine and imprisonment...the amount of the fine...shall be as follows: two hundred fifty dollars for a first violation; five hundred dollars for a second violation committed within one year of the first violation; and one thousand dollars for a third or subsequent violation committed within one year of the first violation. Each day or portion of a day that any person violates or continues to violate any provision of this Section...constitutes a separate violation.
Full Breakdown
Santa Monica Municipal Code § 7.48.130 prohibits disposal of any solid or liquid waste in any storm drain and bans liquid waste disposal on streets, sidewalks, bike paths, parking lots, public parks, the beach, and the Santa Monica Pier. Business operators cannot use public trash receptacles for business waste without a permit. Administrative citations escalate: $250 first offense, $500 second within one year, $1,000 third or subsequent within one year. Each day of violation is a separate offense. Separately, § 7.48.020 prohibits throwing litter in any street or public place except in designated receptacles.
Violations & Fines
Infraction: up to $500 fine per violation. Misdemeanor: up to $500 fine plus up to 6 months in County Jail, or both. Administrative citations: $250 first offense; $500 second offense within one year; $1,000 third or subsequent offense within one year. Each day of continuing violation is a separate chargeable offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I dump leftover concrete or paint down a storm drain?
What about a restaurant washing its grease trap down the gutter?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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Illegal Dumping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle illegal dumping.