Interesting Fact

Local illegal dumping costs Sonoma County taxpayers more than a quarter of a million dollars a year.

What is Illegal Dumping?

• What is illegal dumping?
• Why does it happen?
• Why is it a problem?
• What is the solution?
• Why is legal disposal cheaper and easy?

What is illegal dumping?

Illegal dumping is a crime of opportunity. It involves discarding furniture, appliances, yard debris and other unwanted items in a location other than at a recycling center or permitted disposal site. Sites used for illegal dumping are not always remote locations in the County. Residences, commercial businesses, greenbelts, parks, vacant lots and other publicly and privately owned properties are burdened with the responsibility of cleaning up illegally discarded items on their property.

Why does it happen?

Homeowners, business owners, contractors, clean up service providers, and other individuals may dispose of unwanted items illegally for a variety of reasons.

Some individuals are avoiding paying garbage service fees; others seek to discard large items, such as appliances, furniture or vehicles. Some violators are misinformed about the cost or convenience of proper disposal.

People may illegally discard toxic materials because of the perception that a limited number of legal disposal options exist, or to avoid fees for the disposal of large quantities of hazardous wastes, such as paints, pesticides or other chemicals.

Why is it a problem?

Illegal dumping often attracts more illegal dumping. During heavy rains, illegal dumping can leach hazardous chemicals into waterways and potentially block drainage ways, making areas more susceptible to flooding.

The health and safety hazards associated with illegal dumping are not limited to environmental pollution; dumping also creates physical and chemical hazards. Pests such as mosquitoes, rats and mice living in debris can carry disease. Fires, sharp objects, and hazardous waste pose a threat to anyone that may be working near the dump site, or to children who may play in or near the debris.

Illegal dumping creates far more costs than would arise from simply discarding materials properly. While a resident can bring items to a recycling center or transfer station for a modest fee, illegal dumping often requires county workers to travel long distances to clean up a site.

A quarter of a million dollars was spent in 2007 to clean up illegal dump sites. These costs are passed on to Sonoma County taxpayers.

Other problems created by illegal dumping include:

• Toxics that may seep into the ground, polluting well water
• Depressed property values
• Road obstructions that can result in hazardous driving conditions.

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What is the solution?

Solving the problem of illegal dumping requires a partnership from our government, organizations and citizens, all of whom enjoy the benefits of a clean community. It takes a little effort to help in the fight to keep Sonoma County clean. It’s important to do the right thing by respecting the rights of others and their properties. This respect helps to ensure a healthy, safe and clean environment in which we all can live and play.

It’s also important for all of us to get involved. Simple actions on your part – such as reporting any illegal dumping that you see – can help keep a small problem from becoming a big problem. Download a quick and easy form to report an illegal dump site.

Why is legal disposal cheaper and easy?

Residents and businesses in Sonoma County have numerous convenient and reasonably priced – or even free – options for recycling or disposal. These options include the following:

• Five refuse disposal sites located throughout the county
• Numerous thrift and secondhand stores that accept reusable goods, and
• Private recycling businesses and nonprofits.

Comprehensive information about legal disposal options in Sonoma County.

The following links present a handful of materials that are common at illegal dump sites. The table illustrates the cost difference between proper disposal and illegal disposal. Information on convenient legal disposal options is also provided, along with current fees (which are subject to change).

1. Appliances
2. Building Materials or Construction and Demolition Materials
3. Electronics
4. Household Hazardous Waste
5. Mattresses
6. Televisions
7. Tires

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