Quick Take
Fines for illegal dumping will go from $100 to $2,500 for first-time offenders. Second-time offenders will see a bump from $200 to $5,000 and for those who can’t get enough of illegal dumping, a third offense will go from $500 to $10,000.
Small fines have failed to deter illegal dumping so Santa Cruz County has decided to get tough on the dumpers and those who are careless with their waste products.
A massive 2,400% increase in the illegal dumping fine is coming to unincorporated Santa Cruz County on July 11.
Those who have dumped before with impunity and first-time offenders will see their fine go from $100 to $2,500. Second-time offenders will see a bump from $200 to $5,000 and for those who can’t get enough of illegal dumping, a third offense will go from $500 to $10,000.
“By increasing penalties, we’re sending a strong message that Santa Cruz County is serious about stopping this,” said Carolyn Burke, assistant director of special services at the Community Development and Infrastructure Department.
The county has also installed cameras to record common dumping grounds. So far the cameras have caught one illegal dumper in the act and the Sheriff’s Office is investigating.
The cameras were funded by a statewide litter-pick up program, Pitch-In. The county encourages those who are tempted to dump illegally to seek out the proper waste, recycling and hazardous waste facilities, for their specific needs. A list of those facilities can be found here.