Title
a. Receive an update in response to Board Referral No. 2023.20, submitted by Board of Supervisor Church, addressing littering fines for illegal dumping and littering of solid waste and refuse; and
b. Provide further direction, as appropriate.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive an update in response to Board Referral No. 2023.20, submitted by Board of Supervisor Church, addressing littering fines for illegal dumping and littering of solid waste and refuse; and
b. Provide further direction, as appropriate.
SUMMARY
The County of Monterey (County) has long had illegal dumping and littering issues. Board Referral No. 2023.20 sought to amend the Monterey County Code to increase fines to deter littering, prevent illegal dumping, promote an enjoyable environment and protect our natural resources. The purpose of amending the code was to facilitate an effective response to hold those responsible for illegal dumping and littering by clarifying code violations, increased penalties, and updated language to emphasize local roles and responsibilities.
DISCUSSION
On February 27, 2024, the Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance revising Sections 10.41.010 and 10.41.040 of the Monterey County Code, raising fines for littering in unincorporated areas of the county. The new fines include up to $2,500 for a first violation, up to $5,000 for a second violation within twelve months, and up to $10,000 for a third or any subsequent violation within twelve months.
Also on February 27, 2024, Environmental Health, on behalf of the Illegal Dumping and Litter Abatement Task Force (IDLATF), presented an update to the Board of Supervisors regarding the potential use of surveillance cameras as a deterrent to illegal dumping in the County. The Board approved a request to purchase cameras and supportive monitoring and connectivity subscription services. On July 16, 2024, an agreement with Epic iO was approved to purchase six surveillance cameras to be installed in known illegal dumping hotspots throughout the County.
On April 22, 2025, Environmental Health returned to provide an update on the implementation of the program including capture of illegal dumping events within two days of installation. This presentation included limitation and advantages of the camera technologies, where improvements can be made, online tracking via EPIC iO and the issuance of fines.
Staff return today to update the Board of Supervisors on the second year of the program. The update will include where the program succeeds in community collaboration and where improvements to the program can be made.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Health Department-Environmental Health Bureau has worked collaboratively with the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Department of Public Works, Facilities and Parks for the installation of cameras and with the County’s media teams for the media campaign distribution.
FINANCING:
There are no fiscal provisions; therefore, there is no impact to the General Fund with the acceptance of this staff update.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC GOALS:
Illegal dumping and littering are a nuisance and have the potential to create public health hazards. The ongoing surveillance and increased fines are targeted to improve well-being and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
Mark a check next to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
X Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
Prepared by: Charise Walters, Management Analyst III, 755-4708
Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4621
Attachments:
Board Report
Board Order No. 25-244
Board Report No. 25-244
Board Order PAR 23-027
Board Report PAR 23-027
Board Referral 2023.20
Presentation