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Illegal Dumping in San Jose: How to Report It, Fines & Cleanup
See a pile dumped on the sidewalk, or found junk dumped on your property? Here’s how to report illegal dumping in San Jose, Gilroy, Morgan Hill and Hollister, what the fines are, and how to get rid of junk the legal way. Checked October 2026.
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Illegal dumping is leaving junk anywhere it doesn’t belong: sidewalks, empty lots, creeks, someone else’s property, or even the curb in front of your own house without a scheduled pickup. In San José, the city says putting items by the curb with a “Free” sign counts too.
This guide covers how to report illegal dumping in San Jose and South County, the fines under California and city law, and legal ways to get rid of junk. Junk Gone is a private hauling company, not a city agency. If junk was dumped on your property, we can clean it up: text a photo to (408) 310-0246.
How to report illegal dumping, city by city
- San Jose
- Call San José 311 at (408) 535-3500, use the San José 311 app, or report online at 311.sanjoseca.gov.
- Dumping happening right now: call (408) 277-8900.
- Dumping on a freeway or off-ramp: report it to Caltrans.
- Gilroy
Use the City of Gilroy's "Report a Concern" tool (GilroyConnect) on the city website. The city says reports are prioritized by detail and staff availability, so add a photo and the exact location.
- Morgan Hill
The City of Morgan Hill lists a stormwater hotline, 408-776-7333, for illegal dumping into storm drains. For other dumping, contact Morgan Hill Environmental Services at 408-310-4169 (weekdays).
- Hollister
- Dumping in progress: call 9-1-1 and Hollister Police will be notified.
- Anonymous tips: WeTIP hotline, 1-800-78-CRIME.
- General city line: (831) 636-4300.
- San Benito County (unincorporated)
Report online with the county's illegal dumping form, call (831) 636-4110, or email sbciwm@sanbenitocountyca.gov.
- Unincorporated Santa Clara County and other cities
Unincorporated Santa Clara County: (408) 299-5700. The county keeps a list of reporting contacts for Campbell, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Saratoga, Sunnyvale and more.
Contacts checked on each agency's website in October 2026. Never confront someone who is dumping; note a plate number or take a photo from a safe distance and report it.
Illegal dumping fines in California and San Jose
Fines come from state law and, in some places, city or county code. Every number below is from the official source listed under the table.
| Law | 1st offense | 2nd offense | 3rd+ offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Penal Code 374.3 (dumping waste on public or private property) | $250 to $1,000 | $500 to $1,500 | $750 to $3,000 |
| California, commercial quantities (1 cubic yard or more, or business waste) | $1,000 to $3,000 | $3,000 to $6,000 | $6,000 to $10,000 |
| City of San José | $2,500 | $5,000 | $10,000 each |
Under state law, fines are doubled when the dumped waste is used tires, and dumping commercial quantities is a misdemeanor that can also mean up to six months in county jail. San Benito County code (§15.01.027) allows administrative fines up to $10,000.
Sources: City of San José: Illegal Dumping, California Penal Code 374.3, San Benito County Integrated Waste Management, Santa Clara County litter abatement, City of Gilroy, City of Morgan Hill Environmental Services, City of Hollister. Checked October 29, 2026. Fine amounts can change; check the source before relying on them.
Legal ways to get rid of junk
- Use your city pickupSan José has a free large item junk pickup for eligible residents, and Recology runs bulky item pickups in Gilroy, Morgan Hill and San Benito County. See how they compare.
- Donate what still worksFurniture, décor and household goods in good shape can go to a donation center. See our guides for San Jose, Gilroy, Morgan Hill and Hollister.
- Take it to the dumpHauling it yourself? Our San Jose dump guide and Hollister dump guide list landfills, transfer stations and what they take.
- Or call Junk GoneWe load it, haul it legally, and donate or recycle what we can. Text a photo to (408) 310-0246 for a free estimate.
Where we clean up dumped junk
- Vacant lots
- Rental properties
- Driveways and yards
- Side yards and alleys
- Commercial lots
- Construction sites
Cities we serve:
Property owners and managers: report the dumping to your city first, then call us if you need it gone fast.
Junk dumped on your property? We clean it up
Someone left a couch, mattresses, bags or construction debris on your lot, driveway or rental? Junk Gone hauls it away, often the same day when we have an opening. We take it to the proper facility and donate or recycle what we can.
- San Jose junk pickup for a few items
- San Jose junk removal for big loads and cleanouts
- Construction debris removal
- How much junk removal costs
Illegal dumping FAQs
How do I report illegal dumping in San Jose?
Call San José 311 at (408) 535-3500, use the San José 311 app, or report online at 311.sanjoseca.gov. If someone is dumping right now, the city lists (408) 277-8900.
What is the fine for illegal dumping in San Jose?
The City of San José lists fines of $2,500 for a first violation, $5,000 for a second and $10,000 for each violation after that.
What is the fine for illegal dumping in California?
California Penal Code 374.3 sets fines of $250 to $1,000 for a first conviction, $500 to $1,500 for a second and $750 to $3,000 for a third or later. Commercial quantities (one cubic yard or more, or business waste) carry fines up to $10,000 and up to six months in county jail.
Is putting furniture on the curb with a "free" sign illegal in San Jose?
Yes. The City of San José says placing items by the curb with a "Free" sign is illegal dumping. Donate it, schedule the city's junk pickup, or have it hauled away.
How do I report illegal dumping in Gilroy, Morgan Hill or Hollister?
Gilroy: use the city's Report a Concern tool (GilroyConnect). Morgan Hill: the stormwater hotline is 408-776-7333 and Environmental Services is 408-310-4169. Hollister: call 9-1-1 if it's happening now, or the WeTIP hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME. Unincorporated San Benito County: (831) 636-4110.
Can Junk Gone clean up junk someone dumped on my property?
Yes. We remove dumped furniture, mattresses, appliances, bags and debris from yards, driveways, lots and rentals. Text a photo to (408) 310-0246 for a free, flat-rate estimate.
Do you haul hazardous waste?
No. We never haul hazardous materials such as paint, solvents, fuel, propane tanks, pesticides or asbestos. Your county's household hazardous waste program takes those.
Prefer a form? Request a pickup time
Calling or texting is fastest. If you’d rather fill out a form, tell us what’s going and add a photo if you can. This sends a request, not a confirmed booking. We’ll call or text to confirm the time and your price.
Ways to pay
- Zelle
- Apple Pay
- Venmo
- Cash
No payment is needed to request a time.
Need dumped junk gone?
Call or text (408) 310-0246 with a photo for a free estimate. We answer calls and texts 24/7.