Surveillance program targets illegal dumping in Monterey County (The Californian 4/22/25)
Illegal Dumping@CalRecycle
Surveillance program targets illegal dumping in Monterey County (The Californian 4/22/25): https://www.thecalifornian.com/story/news/local/2025/04/21/monterey-county-installs-cameras-to-catch-and-cite-illegal-dumping/83143129007/
A pilot program that targets illegal dumping in Monterey County is fully operational, according to a recent update by the county health department.
Six cameras have been installed across the county in areas officials have identified as being chronically visited by illegal dumpers.
"Illegal dumping is an issue that Monterey County has been dealing with for quite a long time," said Maria Ferdin, supervisor at the county's environmental health bureau during the weekly news conference. "It's a financial burden on county residents and taxpayers."
"We also want to protect public spaces and private properties from dumped household garbage, furniture, unknown liquids and hazardous waste," she added.
At each of the three locations two cameras have been positioned in the public-right-of-way. The cameras are solar-powered, cellular enabled and operational 24-hours a day. The cameras produce high quality images of individuals and vehicles and can read license plate numbers and signage, according to county officials.
"Visually, you're easily able to identify the vehicles if there are any markings on the vehicles or on the side of the vehicles," Ferdin said.
The information from the cameras is then reviewed and used by county officials to issue citations.
Illegal dumping citations start at $2,500 for first offense
Illegal dumping citations are hefty and start at $2,500 for a first offense. The second offense is $5,000 and rises to $10,000 for a third offense.
Illegal dumping is a serious offense and is in violation of California Law (California Penal Code Section 374.3). Any case the county believes is appropriate for additional enforcement will be referred to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office.
Concerned individuals can also report illegal dumping to the county by completing an online form.
Don't dump it, take it to the landfill
Part of the county's initiative to counter illegal dumping is to provide relevant and current information on disposal options.
Ferdin said many of the items that are dumped on the side of the road can actually be taken to the landfill for free.
E-waste (items like televisions, computers and related accessories), most major appliances (without refrigerant), and mattresses are all accepted free of charge for recycling at all three Salinas Valley Recycles locations.
Up to 75% of mattress components can be recycled, according to CalRecycle. In 2023, 61 million pounds of mattress materials were diverted from California landfills.
From now until May 31, Salinas Valley residents (not businesses) can recycle tires for free. Car and small truck tires—with or without rims are accepted. Residents are limited to nine tires per trip.
Participating locations include the Recycling Center in Salinas, Jolon Transfer Station in King City and the Johnson Canyon Landfill.
The county also offers vouchers for a free disposal load (trailer or truckload) at a local disposal site. Vouchers are only available for public area community cleanup events organized by non-profit organizations, and cleanup of illegal dumpsites in Monterey County.
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Hazardous illegal dumping reported near Empire Camp rest area off Highway 101 (Redheaded Blackbelt 4/18/25): https://kymkemp.com/2025/04/18/hazardous-illegal-dumping-reported-near-empire-camp-rest-area-off-highway-101/
On Thursday, Caltrans was alerted to the illegal dumping of hazardous materials near the Empire Camp Rest Area along U.S. Highway 101 in Mendocino County. Caltrans District 1 spokesperson Manny Machado told us via an email last night, “We are concerned about the potential risks of soil and groundwater contamination and are seeking the public’s assistance in preventing further illegal dumping.”
The incident was first reported around 11:30 a.m. on April 17 via scanner traffic, which indicated that a number of drums possibly containing an unknown substance had been discovered dumped over the embankment near mile marker 87.
By 12:06 p.m., officials had confirmed the presence of 15 barrels approximately 50 to 70 feet down the embankment, with markings identifying the contents as isocyanate, a potentially dangerous chemical compound used in manufacturing.
A safety perimeter of 150 feet was established around the site per OSHA, DOT, and CHEMTREK guidelines. Leggett Fire Department was later paged to consult with the Fire Chief, and Caltrans reported that firefighters would respond to evaluate the situation before cleanup could begin.
“An investigation is currently underway,” Machado confirmed. “Anyone with information regarding this matter is requested to contact the CHP.”