Santa Cruz County is increasing penalties for illegal dumping violations in unincorporated Santa Cruz County. Fines will now start at $2,500 for a first offense, $5,000 for a second, and $10,000 for a third. Previously, penalties were set at $100, $200, and $500, which failed to deter illegal dumping.
Illegal dumping harms the environment and neighborhood quality of life. Increased fines are the latest measure the county has taken. Other efforts include reducing single-use materials, offering free bulky-item pickup through the GreenWaste franchise agreement, improving reporting tools, and installing surveillance cameras in illegal dumping hotspots.
Cameras were purchased through funding from Pitch-In Santa Cruz, a program that supports community-based environmental initiatives. The cameras have already resulted in a misdemeanor referral for illegal dumping to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.
“This isn’t just about handing out fines, it’s about valuing our shared spaces, protecting the environment and standing up for the
communities impacted by illegal dumping,” said Carolyn Burke, assistant director of special services at the Community Development and Infrastructure Department. “By increasing penalties, we’re sending a strong message that Santa Cruz County is serious about stopping this.”
GreenWaste Recovery offers bulky item pickup services. GreenWaste customers in unincorporated Santa Cruz County are eligible for three bulky item pickups and four extra bin setouts per year at no additional cost, making it easier to properly dispose of large or excess waste. You can also drop off old mattresses at the Ben Lomond Landfill and Buena Vista Landfill for free.