Preventing Illegal Dumping

Individuals can take a variety of actions to help prevent illegal dumping. One of the most important actions is to report an existing dump site. Illegal dumping breeds more illegal dumping, and prompt cleanup of unwanted materials can prevent a small problem from growing into a big problem.

Another important action you can take is to know where the waste materials that leave your property are going.

If you hire a contractor to do work at your home or business – such as remodeling, cleaning out a garage, or yard work – you need to confirm that the contractor is properly discarding your waste at a permitted disposal facility or recycling center. Disposal businesses and services provide receipts, and you can ask your contractor to submit that receipt to you to confirm appropriate disposal.

Individuals also can report dumping in progress or join a volunteer bicycle group that helps identify dump sites throughout Sonoma County.