Stockton, CA Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Offense class
- Infraction
- First-offense fine
- $1,000
- Second-offense fine
- $2,000 within one year
- Repeat-offense fine
- $3,000 per additional violation
- Owner liability
- Vehicle/trailer owner liable if permission given
- Enacted
- Ord. 2024-09-10-1601
Summary
Stockton's illegal dumping ordinance, Chapter 8.104, makes it an infraction to deposit, drop, or throw waste matter onto public or private property not designated for disposal. First violations draw a $1,000 fine, second violations within a year cost $2,000, and each additional violation costs $3,000, on top of cleanup and enforcement costs.
It is a violation of this chapter for any person to illegally dump or to cause waste matter to be disposed of in violation of this chapter, this code, or State or Federal law. ... A violation of this chapter is punishable by the following: 1. A fine/penalty of $1,000.00 for a first violation; 2. A fine/penalty of $2,000.00 for a second violation of this chapter or of any statute or City or County code within the State that has the same or more restrictive elements as this chapter including, but not limited to, the statutes identified in subsection B of this section within one year of action constituting the first violation; 3. A fine/penalty of $3,000.00 for each additional violation of this chapter or of any statute or City or County code within the State that has the same or more restrictive elements as this chapter, including but not limited to the statutes identified in Subsection B of this section within one year of action constituting the first violation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4970744; v11 updated 2026-07-07).
Full Breakdown
4. 030 flatly prohibits illegal dumping in violation of the chapter, this code, or state or federal law. 040, the registered owner of any vehicle or trailer used to illegally dump is liable whenever the owner gave express or implied permission for that use, whether or not the owner knew the vehicle would be used that way. 050 classifies illegal dumping as an infraction and a public nuisance, prosecutable through criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings, with all remedies cumulative. 060 sets the fine schedule: $1,000 for a first violation, $2,000 for a second violation of this chapter or of an equally or more restrictive state statute or City or County code within one year of the first violation, and $3,000 for each additional violation within that same one-year window. 020. The chapter is written to supersede any conflicting City or State provision while working alongside existing dumping laws rather than replacing them.
Violations & Fines
Illegal dumping is charged as an infraction, not a misdemeanor, but each offense still carries an escalating fine: $1,000 first offense, $2,000 second offense within a year, $3,000 for every violation after that. The City can pursue criminal, civil, and administrative remedies simultaneously, and vehicle or trailer owners share liability when their equipment is used to dump with their permission.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the fine for illegal dumping in Stockton?
Can I be held responsible if someone else dumps trash using my truck?
Is illegal dumping a misdemeanor in Stockton?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stockton
California rules heatmap·Compare Stockton to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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Illegal Dumping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Joaquin County handle illegal dumping.