Santa Cruz County has created a new website where residents can report illegal dumping that they see or discover. Officials say illegal waste can create health hazards and attract rats, mosquitoes, and other vectors. Some otherwise recyclable waste degrades when dumped and then must be taken to a landfill rather than being recycled.
County officials say that once a report is filed it will be evaluated within 24-hours. The website can be found at stopdumping.us.
Fines and penalties illegal dumping start at $100 for first time violations. The fine increases to $200 for second offenses and $500 for the third violation within one year.
