Beyond the Curb—Litter & Illegal Dumping
We Don’t Have to Live Like This

 

The images above show littering and illegal dumping in South Monterey County. Many of these items could have been recycled or disposed of for free. Small businesses and farmers in Monterey County are regularly the victims of these crimes.

Quick Links:
Read & Learn More: 2020 Keep America Beautiful Litter Study Summary Report (get the facts and the data)
2024 Tri-Cities Disposal & Recycling Residential Services Guide
Salinas Valley Recycles Guide to Recycling and Hazardous Waste

What?

What is the difference between littering and dumping? Illegal dumping is the improper disposal of large quantities of waste, while littering is the improper disposal of small amounts of trash. In the end, it is all the same.

Littering and illegal dumping can make our neighborhoods and communities a sad place to live. Illegal dumping and littering negatively affect public health, soil quality, water quality, food production, farmland, wildlife, and real estate values.

Why?

There are many reasons that people may decide to participate in this negative behavior. Lack of education or awareness on what to do with waste, a perception that properly disposing of garbage is too expensive, or a lack of pride in or responsibility for one’s community. There is no good reason for littering or illegal dumping; we all pay an emotional, physical, and financial price for this behavior. It is estimated that the State of California and its cities and counties spend somewhere close to 500 million taxpayer dollars per year cleaning up litter and illegal dumping.

How you can help:

Educate Yourself and Others

  • Explore this website to learn about the programs offered by Tri-Cities and Salinas Valley Recycles (many are free or included in your service).

  • Talk to your children, friends, and family regularly about this problem (point it out when you see it).

  • Share what you learn about services and resources with your neighbors and co-workers.

  • Ensure your friends and neighbors know about upcoming cleanup day events in your community.

  • Read your mail! We send out four mailers a year with important program and service information.

Report Illegal Dumping

Report illegal dumping to your city’s public works department. When illegally dumped items are left too long, it encourages more people to pile on. Often, illegal dumpers leave clues to their identity in their trash. Cities can and will forward information to local authorities to issue citations to illegal dumpers. In 2024, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors increased the fines for illegal dumping to $2,500-$10,000 depending on the offense. This is a 2,400% increase in the fine scale.

Be a Part of the Solution

gonzales city councilmembers silva & worthy take on micro-trash & litter (fall, 2024)

Contact Your Elected Leaders

If illegal dumping and litter are a problem in your community, elected officials at the city, county, and state levels are the ones who have the power to support programs that address these issues. They are in charge of financial resources and set community priorities. Hearing from business owners and residents about important issues is the best way to ensure that elected leaders stay focused on what matters to the people who elected them. Attending public meetings, making phone calls, and sending letters make them aware of what illegal dumping costs you as a business owner and resident of their jurisdiction.

How we are helping

Outreach & Education

Tri-Cities Disposal & Recycling Service staff take the opportunity to educate the community about illegal dumping and how to manage trash and recycling at schools, businesses, and public events in your community. Click here to learn more about how to invite us to meet with your team, business, students, group, or organization to schedule an outreach presentation (English and Spanish language presentations are available).

Bulky Item Collection Service

Many customers do not have a large vehicle to transport bulky items such as mattresses, sofas, or appliances. It can also be challenging for people to lift and maneuver these items into a car or truck for transport to the landfill for proper disposal. Concerns about disposal fees can also lead to increased illegal dumping in the community. Click here to learn more about our by-appointment Bulky Item Collection Service. It’s available to our customers at no extra charge!

Community Reuse, Recycle & Cleanup Day Events

Each year, Tri-Cities Disposal & Recycling Service offers two FREE Reuse, Recycle & Cleanup Day events in each city in our service area. These events assist our residential customers with clearing the clutter and disposing of items that households may find difficult to dispose of throughout the year. The events include household hazardous waste disposal services and a fantastic reuse area for sharing still usable items. These events are staffed by local community groups that receive service hours and a donation for the service work in the community. Click here to learn more about upcoming cleanup day events in your community.  

Litter Cleanup Events

Tri-Cities Disposal & Recycling Service works with communities in its service area to facilitate year-round litter removal service projects. We advertise your event through community outlets and provide all the materials and supplies your group will need to serve your community safely and successfully.  Our staff is happy to help organize your event and support your volunteers on the day of your event. Call our office at 888-678-6798 to request contact from our outreach programs manager.