Clean Streets and Illegal Dumping

Clean Streets

Mayor Lee tackled illegal dumping with a bold three-part strategy —

  1. ERADICATE: launching aerial imaging technology to proactively identify hotspots in underserved neighborhoods, improving response times, tracking, and accountability, while incorporating privacy protections; City crews cleaned up over 6,600 tons of debris, and average illegal dumping work order closure times dropped dramatically from 26 days to just 5.5 days
  2. EDUCATE: through the Mayor’s Keep The Town Clean initiative – the City mobilized over 10,000 volunteers to remove 145 tons of trash and clear 50 miles of streets, around schools, business corridors, and neighborhoods.
  3. ENFORCE: doubling citation fines, expanding the dumping camera network, and championing a new state law SB 1218 with Senator Jesse Arreguin, blocking vehicle registration renewals for drivers with unpaid dumping citations, one of the toughest dumping deterrents in California.

Cleaner Streets & Faster Response

Strengthening Illegal Dumping Enforcement

  • Doubled illegal dumping citation fines
  • Expanded dumping camera enforcement network
  • Established new violations, including transporting waste without a license plate
  • Advanced stronger enforcement tools and accountability measures
  • Championed Senate Bill 1218 with Senator Jesse Arreguín to block vehicle registration renewals for individuals with unpaid illegal dumping fines

Deploying Innovative Technology

  • Launched Aerbits aerial imaging technology pilot program which passed unanimously by the Privacy Advisory Commission and City Council.
  • Improved proactive identification of dumping hotspots
  • Enhanced response times, tracking, and equitable service delivery

Keep the Town Clean Initiative and Citywide Initiatives since May 2025

  • Mobilized 10,000+ volunteers
  • Removed 145+ tons of trash through volunteer cleanups
  • Removed 6,600+ tons of debris citywide
  • Reduced illegal dumping closure times from 26 days to 5.5 days
  • Expanded youth engagement and workforce development programs
  • Partnered with local organizations, neighborhood associations, schools, and community members committed to service, equity, and keeping our beautiful town clean

Grants and Major Investments

Secured more than $1 million in new funding to support cleanup, beautification, and environmental justice efforts:

  • $499,000 CalRecycle grant to clean high-need corridors including Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Foothill Boulevard, and MacArthur Boulevard
  • $300,000 Caltrans Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway Grant to expand Team Oakland year-round and grow partnerships with the Youth Employment Partnership and Lake Merritt Institute
  • $1.36 million EPA grant to modernize Public Works cleanup equipment
  • Expanded Bulky Block Parties and free bulky waste disposal options for residents

These efforts reflect a coordinated citywide strategy focused on cleaner streets, environmental equity, faster service delivery, stronger enforcement, and long-term neighborhood investment.

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