• Report Illegal Dumping in San Benito County Here.
• Call (831) 636-4110 or email sbciwm@sanbenitocountyca.gov for information and updates on the status of these cleanups.

Illegal dumping is prohibited and subject to administrative fines up to $10,000 under the San Bentio County Code of Ordinances §15.01.027. 

California Penal Code 374

Littering is illegal in the state of California under Section Penal Code (PC) 374. California punishment for first-time littering starts at $100 fine and eight hours of picking up roadside litter. A defendant's third offense and all subsequent offenses are punished with a minimum penalty of a $750 fine and a 24-hour litter cleanup.

California Penal Code 374.3 

Makes illegal dumping on public and private property punishable by a fine up to $10,000. Also, pursuant to Section 117555 of the California health and Safety Code, a person who dumps illegally is punishable by up to six months in jail.

Join Our Next Cleanup:

June 13th, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. @ Veterans Memorial Park 1023 Memorial Dr. 

September 19th, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. @ Hollister High School Multi-Purpose Lot

December 12th, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. @ Hollister Super #1 - 1280 4th St.

Additional Community Cleanup Opportunities in 2026:

Fall (October 10th) Downtown Hollister Cleanups - Coordinated by the Hollister Downtown Association.

Planning a Cleanup Event? San Benito County Integrated Waste Management offers rental of cleanup supplies (litter grabbers, garbage bags, vests, and gloves). Contact us at:

sbciwm@sanbenitocountyca.gov
831-636-4110

1. Reduce roadside litter by securing and tarping your load!
2. Make sure your waste and recycling containers are secure with lids closed. Newspapers, cans, and other light-weight plastics can be easily picked up by the wind and scattered.
3. Wait until the morning of collection day to place your waste and recycling containers on your curb to prevent any person(s) or wildlife going through them.  
4. Rain runoff flows into storm drains and into our riverbed and ocean. Litter may pile up and block storm drains which results to flooding. Please utilize publicly available receptacles when out in public to ensure your trash doesn't become litter. 
5. Organize or participate in community cleanups!
6. Recycle Right! Check out San Benito County Recycle Guide to find out how to properly recycle your item.

• Hazardous waste like paint, pesticides, and automotive fluids requires special handling; if you notice illegally dumped hazardous waste, please report it using our online reporting tool or email us at sbciwm@sanbenitocountyca.gov for proper abatement. Household hazardous waste (HHW) can be taken to our monthly HHW drop-off event at no cost.

• If you discover that someone has gone through your garbage, call the non-emergency Police Department. For Hollister residents you may reach the non-emergency Police Department at (831) 636-4331. For San Juan Bautista and Unincorporated residents call (831) 636-4080.

• Is your home property trash or recycling overflowing? Contact Recology to adjust your service at (831) 636-7500.

• Report overflowing trash cans and dumpsters to sbciwm@sanbenitocountyca.gov or call (831) 636-4110.

• Take advantage of the many free bulky item recycling and disposal programs available to San Bentio County residents. Visit www.sanbenitocountyca.gov/bulkyitems for more information.

1. It is illegal to dispose of Household Hazardous Waste in the garbage, down storm drains, or onto the ground. Chemicals in illegally or improperly disposed hazardous waste can be released into the environment and contaminate our air, water, and possibly the food we eat.  
2. Litter attracts rodents and insects that may spread diseases.
3. Polluting streams and lakes that flow to River
   • It is common that litter left on sidewalks, streets, or parks will get flown by rainwater and melting snow into the storm drains.
   • Pesticides and motor oil may also flow into storm drains and harm aquatic life. 
4. Wildlife Disruption 
   • Animals ingest motor oil, pesticides, or cigarette butts.
   • Animals may get tangled in plastic or ropes.
   • Fish may die due to low oxygen zones caused by fertilizer that is dumped into streams; fertilizer may also create large algae blooms. 
5. Risk in Natural Disasters is Higher 
   • Due to the mixture of chemicals in garbage, illegal dumping becomes high risk of fires as the garbage releases combustible gases. 
   • Large items like furniture or electronic waste may cause road and terrain flooding during storms.