Illegal Dumping Strategy

The City is using a three-part strategy to reduce illegal dumping:
Eradication, Enforcement, and Education.

This page provides data and resources to keep residents informed on what the City is doing to reduce illegal dumping. 

Dashboards are best viewed on a desktop computer. Residents can visit their local Oakland Public Library to use the computer lab or reserve a computer.

Eradication

Eradication means removing dumped material quickly, fairly, and efficiently. Oakland’s Keep Oakland Clean and Beautiful (KOCB) Division leads this work.

Eradication Data Dashboards

* Due to a ransomware attack in 2023, that year’s data may not be accurate.

Key elements

• The Illegal Dumping Unit has 50 staff who remove about 10,000 tons of dumped material from streets and sidewalks every year.
• Crews sweep streets and help stop litter from building up.
• Illegal Dumping Work Orders are a combination of Service Requests (community-generated requests from OAK311 and volunteer cleanups), Proactive Cleanups (trash removal from corridors where dumping happens often), and Encampment Garbage Service (trash and debris cleanings at encampments).
• The City recently rented lightning loader trucks, which are large grapple-arm trucks. These trucks allow crews to clear big piles of debris and keep cleanup work moving.
• New aerial imaging tools will help the City find dumping before residents contact OAK311.

Enforcement

Enforcement means holding dumpers responsible for their actions. This includes investigations, camera monitoring, issuing citations, collecting unpaid citations, and focusing on repeat or major violators.

Enforcement Data Dashboard, 2023-2026

* Due to a ransomware attack in 2023, that year’s data may not be accurate.

Citation goals:

• About 300 citations issued in FY 2025/2026
• 750 citations planned for this year
• 1,500 citations per year as the long‑term target 

Operational details:

• The City has 8 Environmental Enforcement Officers (EEOs).
• Camera coverage is expanding from about 30 locations to more than 80 sites, with more to come in the future.
• Fines have increased for first-time offenders to $1,500. Fines can go up to $5,000, and the City is improving how citations are collected.
• EEOs review camera footage, perform on‑site investigations, and issue citations to people who dump or who are connected to dumping activity.
• If residents see dumping activity and can safely document, they can send the footage along with date, time, location, and vehicle information (license plate and car make/model) to stopdumping@oaklandca.gov for EEOs to review.
• If a case appears serious or criminal, EEOs may refer it to the Oakland Police Department (OPD). OPD may investigate further and, if needed, refer cases to the Alameda County District Attorney for criminal charges.

Education

Education helps residents learn about free and legal disposal options, which reduces illegal dumping. Partnerships help share information with more people across Oakland.

Current initiatives:

• Outreach about free bulky waste services for homeowners and renters, especially in multifamily dwellings. Our goal is to increase bulky pickups and drop-off use by 20%.
• The return of Bulky Block Parties
• Campaigns that promote no‑cost, legal disposal options citywide

Partnerships:

• Oakland Recycles: Regional waste and recycling agencies partnership
• Outreach support to help residents, property managers, and community groups access free bulky waste services and prevent illegal dumping Education reduces illegal dumping by giving people easy and legal ways to get rid of unwanted items. 

Additional Resources Materials

Strategy Plans

• First Quarter Update of Illegal Dumping Strategy, October 2026(PDF, 396KB)
• Illegal Dumping Strategy Informational Memo, September 2026(PDF, 337KB)
• Illegal Dumping Expenditures Action (IDEA) Plan, Adopted June 12, 2026(PDF, 394KB)

Reports

• Office of the City Auditor's Performance Audit of Illegal Dumping (Released April 23, 2026)
• City Administrator Statement (Published April 23, 2026)
• 2025-2026 Alameda County Grand Jury Report (Released June 15, 2026)
• City Administrator Statement (Published June 16, 2026)
• City Responses to Grand Jury Recommendations and Findings (July 31, 2026)

Informational Memos/Updates

• Illegal Dumping Strategy Informational Memo, (September 2026)(PDF, 337KB)