What is illegal dumping and how can I report it?

Illegal dumping is dumping of any waste, whether it is oil, furniture, appliances, trash, litter or landscaping cuttings, etc., upon any public right-of-way, City property or private property, without consent of the owner.

The Department's Code Enforcement team patrols City neighborhoods daily to deter illegal dumping and investigate citizen complaints. Community help is essential to catching and deterring illegal dumps.

The City encourages anyone who encounters an illegal dump that has already taken place to report it. If you observe someone illegally dumping, please take down the following information:

• Date, time and location of incident
• Description of vehicle and license plate number
• Description of person(s) dumping
• What items/materials were being dumped
• Your name and phone number (optional)

Report the information to the following agencies:

To report illegal dumping please submit a Trash/Litter/Recycling Service Request, or for illegal dumping that is in progress or that has already occurred, call the Environmental Services Department at 858-694-7000, Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

After business hours, during weekends, or holidays, call the non-emergency number for the San Diego Police Department at 619-531-2000.

With adequate information and an eyewitness who is willing to testify, the City can and will pursue prosecution.