Illegal dumping and littering have big consequences that small actions can avoid.
The consequences of illegal dumping are much more than a $10,000 fine; local governments in California spend tens of millions of dollars to remove illegally dumped materials. But even then, the cost to human health and the environment is immeasurable.
What is Illegal Dumping and Littering?
At the most basic level, illegal dumping and littering refer to the act of discarding waste where it doesn’t belong. Typically, “illegal dumping” refers to improperly discarding large volumes of material while “littering” refers to improperly discarding smaller volumes. Whether it be mattresses left on the sidewalk, appliances left on the highway, or plastic bottles left on the ground, littering and illegal dumping are huge issues for the health of our waterways and community.
Choking Our Waterways
Aside from the visual impact of illegal dumping and littering, many illegally dumped materials and litter contain:
- Chemicals like PFAS (long-lasting chemicals that break down very slowly and have been linked to many health problems)
- Heavy metals
- Pesticides
- Other toxins
Additionally, marine life is known to ingest microplastics, which are small particles that humans may consume when we eat seafood. Non-aquatic wildlife may also mistake debris for food, and the overall ecosystem can suffer. Even If not consumed, a wide array of pollutants can end up in the same waterways that provide the fish that we eat and the recreational opportunities we all enjoy.
Provide Solutions, Not Pollution
We must all be diligent to protect our waterways against litter and illegally dumped materials and hold our community accountable. Here are some ways you can be part of the solution:
- Remember that ONLY water should go down the storm drains. Never drain wash water, chlorinated pool water, automotive fluids, paints, or other contaminants down the storm drain system.
- Stay vigilant and properly dispose of your items. Learn what items are household hazardous waste (HHW), and find your nearest HHW disposal center here.
- Participating in a community cleanup is a great way to get involved. Check out our event calendar for the next cleanup near you.
- Whenever possible, go reusable. Carry a refillable water bottle when you’re out and about, ask for a reusable cup when enjoying coffee at a cafe, and shop at bulk goods stores that allow you to use reusable containers. We featured one such local zero-waste shop in a recent blog post.
- If you witness or discover illegal dumping, the best thing you can do is report it.
City-Specific Resources to Report Illegal Dumping
Municipality | Number(s) to Call | Email, Form, or App | Report Illegal Dumping In Progress |
---|---|---|---|
Atherton | (650) 363-4125 | ||
Belmont | (650) 595-7425 | pworks@belmont.gov | |
Brisbane | (415) 508-2130 | ||
Burlingame | (650) 558-7670 | accessBurlingame | Police Department: (650) 777-4100 |
Colma | (650) 757-8888 after hours: (650) 997-8321 | Online Form | |
Daly City | (650) 991-8200 | Daly City iHelp App | Police Department: (650) 992-1225 |
East Palo Alto | (650) 853-7253 | Online Form | Police Dispatch: (650) 321-1112 |
Foster City | (650) 286-3238 | Foster City Access App | |
Half Moon Bay | (650) 726-8288 | ||
Hillsborough | (650) 375-7444 (650) 330-6600 | ACT Menlo Park App | Police Department: (650) 375-7470 |
Millbrae | (650) 259-2300 | ||
Pacifica | (650) 738-7344 (650) 738-3760 | Online Form | Police Department: (650) 738-7314 |
Portola Valley | (650) 363-4911 | PV Connect | |
Redwood City | (650) 780-7464 | myRWC App | |
San Bruno | (650) 616-7160 | Online Form | |
San Carlos | (650) 802-4261 | Online Form building@cityofsancarlos.org | |
San Mateo | (650) 522-730 | Police Department: (650) 522-7700 | |
South San Francisco | (650) 829-3848 | Police Department: (650) 877-8900 | |
Unincorporated SMC | Report It! SMC | ||
Woodside | (650) 372-620 |
More information:
- County of San Mateo Office of Sustainability: Information about reducing, reusing, recycling
- Recology San Mateo County: Bulky item disposal
- Caltrans: Dumping on freeways or off-ramps