What Is Illegal Dumping and How Can I Report It?

What Is Illegal Dumping and How Can I Report It?



bigstock-No-Dumping-2572564California Penal Code 374.3 makes illegal dumping on public and private property punishable by a fine up to $10,000. Also, pursuant to Section 117555 of the California health and Safety Code, a person who dumps illegally is punishable by up to six months in jail.

Illegal dumping is dumping of any waste, whether it is oil, furniture, appliances, trash, litter or landscaping cuttings, etc., upon any public right-of-way, City property or private property, without consent of the owner.

If illegal dumping problems are not reported the problem often grows.  Once a pile begins, it often seems to encourage other people to pile on additional waste. Hazardous material such household products (batteries, oil, paint, and antifreeze), commercial and industrial items and fluids, and other regulated or illegal substances create a dangerous environment and pollute our creeks, streams and lake.

Community help is essential to catching and deterring illegal dumps. 
The City encourages anyone who encounters an illegal dump that has already taken place to report it. If you observe someone illegally dumping, please take down the following information:
  • Date, time and location of incident
  • Description of vehicle and license plate number
  • Description of person(s) dumping
  • What items/materials were being dumped
  • Your name and phone number (optional)
 What is the difference between Litter and Illegal Dumping?
Litter is small amounts of trash that pollute our streets and creeks.Illegal Dumping2
 
Illegal dumping occurs when people dump large amounts of garbage such as furniture, appliances, and hazardous waste instead of disposing of it properly. Dumped materials attract additional dumping and criminal activities, lower economic value, and are a health and safety problem.
 
Don't Dump Your Junk!
  • Call Lakeport Disposal, the City of Lakeport’s full-service trash company, to initiate weekly curbside pickup service if you don't have it now.
  • Use your annual curbside Large Item Pickup Service for your unwanted items! Use your large item pickup for things that don’t fit in your trash cart and encourage your neighbors to do the same.
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