Bill
SB 1230
SB 1230 raises fines for illegal dumping, boosts penalties for repeat and commercial cases, and makes CalRecycle the central hub with an online resource for local prevention, enfor
SB 1230 (Valladares) – Solid waste: illegal dumping: penalties: resources
Session: 2025-2026 | Jurisdiction: California
Overview
SB 1230 proposes to tighten penalties for illegal dumping of waste and to enhance state support for local efforts to combat, prevent, and remediate dumping. The bill also designates the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) as the lead state agency to assist cities and counties, and requires an online resource hub to help localities address illegal dumping.
Main purpose and intent
- Increase financial penalties for illegal dumping to strengthen deterrence.
- Elevate CalRecycle to a central role in supporting local governments in addressing illegal dumping.
- Provide a public, centralized online resource with best practices, enforcement tools, and funding opportunities.
Key provisions and changes
1) Expanded penalties for illegal dumping (Penal Code 374.3 amendments)
- Non-commercial (waste matter dumped on roads, highways, or private/public property):
- First conviction: mandatory fine $250 – $1,000.
- Second conviction: mandatory fine $500 – $1,500.
- Third or subsequent conviction: mandatory fine $750 – $5,000.
- If tires are involved, fines are doubled.
- Commercial quantities (defined as waste generated in a trade/profession or at least 1 cubic yard):
- First conviction: misdemeanor; fine $1,000 – $3,000; possible up to 6 months in jail.
- Second conviction: $3,000 – $6,000; up to $10,000 and 6 months in jail.
- Third or subsequent conviction: $6,000 – $15,000; up to $15,000 and 6 months in jail.
- If the owner/operator employs >10 full-time employees, higher ranges apply:
- First conviction: $1,000 – $5,000
- Second: $3,000 – $10,000
- Third or subsequent: $6,000 – $25,000
- Courts may order removal/removal costs and, in some cases, compel 12 hours of cleanup.
- If the offense involves a license/permit related to the business, licensing entities must be notified and may post the offense publicly on their websites.
2) New Public Resources Code requirement (Public Resources Code 40509.5)
- CalRecycle becomes the lead state agency to assist cities/counties with illegal dumping.
- CalRecycle must create an internet website with resources to help localities combat, prevent, and clean up illegal dumping.
- The site may include educational materials, enforcement tools, best practices, and information on grant opportunities.
- CalRecycle may collaborate with other state agencies in developing the site.
Affected parties
- Individuals and businesses that dump waste matter (non-commercial and commercial quantities).
- Employers/businesses involved in illegal dumping (particularly those with >10 full-time employees).
- Local governments (cities and counties) that address illegal dumping through enforcement, cleanup, prevention, and grant programs.
- Licensing/permitting entities under the Business and Professions Code, which may be notified and must publicly disclose convictions of licensees.
Procedural/timeline notes
- Legislative history indicates introduction in February 2026 and progression through committees with a hearing schedule in April 2026.
- If enacted, penalties would apply on convictions in accordance with the amended statutes.
- Implementation would include establishing the CalRecycle online resource portal (no explicit funding authorization in the bill’s text; the bill indicates no new appropriation).
Fiscal notes
- The bill indicates “Appropriation: NO” (no explicit funding in the bill text), but may necessitate CalRecycle program or IT resources to develop the online portal and support localities. Independent fiscal analyses would clarify any budget impact.
Bottom line
SB 1230 seeks to strengthen deterrence for illegal dumping through higher fines (especially for repeat offenses and commercial dumping), while empowering CalRecycle to be a central resource for local governments and communities by providing an online hub of information, tools, and funding opportunities to prevent and address illegal dumping.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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