East Bay Legislators Mark Passage of Bills to Deter Illegal Dumping
Sacramento, CA – The California Legislature unanimously passed SB 1218 by Senator Jesse Arreguin (D-Oakland) and AB 1153 by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland). Together, these bills directly tackle the impacts of illegal dumping, helping communities maintain clean and safe streets.
Under current law, peace officers and parking enforcement agents are authorized to immobilize vehicles that have been issued multiple delinquent parking tickets and similar fines. SB 1218 builds on this proven enforcement model by adding unpaid illegal dumping penalties to the list of violations that can trigger a vehicle immobilization, creating a meaningful incentive for offenders to resolve outstanding citations and disincentivizing the action of illegal dumping.
“For too long, illegal dumpers have treated fines as optional while our neighborhoods pay the price,” said Senator Jesse Arreguín. “SB 1218 ensures real accountability and deterrence for illegal dumping. If you trash our communities, there will be consequences.”
Supporters argue that the bill not only protects neighborhoods and the environment, but also promotes fairness. Law-abiding residents should not shoulder the financial burden created by those who illegally dispose of waste. By strengthening enforcement and improving fine collection, SB 1218 aims to deter future violations while helping cities recover costs associated with cleanup and code enforcement.
Illegal dumping responsibilities fall on local governments, draining tens of millions of dollars annually. The City of Oakland alone spent $14 million on illegal dumping abatement and enforcement in FY 2024-25. AB 1153 would allow CalRecycle to provide local governments with additional funding and technical assistance for the disposal of abandoned RVs and support for existing illegal dumping enforcement teams, improving coordination between state and local agencies.
"California is a global leader in sustainability yet illegal dumping continues to plague cities across the state. AB 1153 empowers local governments with greater access to CalRecycle funding and technical assistance while prioritizing projects that serve disadvantaged communities," said Assemblymember Mia Bonta. "Tackling illegal dumping is essential for addressing public health, our shared safety, and the vitality of our cities. I'm proud to be delivering tangible results for our community."
Illegal dumping in California has been on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic, placing growing strain on local communities. Between 2021 and 2024, Oakland issued nearly 3,000 illegal dumping citations totaling about $1.3 million in fines. However, according to a report from the Oakland City Auditor, last year only $16,000 in fines were collected after spending $12 million on illegal dumping and picking up over 7 million pounds of waste.
The bills now heads to the Governor’s Desk, where action must be taken on the bills by September 30.
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