County Board Votes to Increase Illegal Dumping Fines. Illegal Dumping Fines Increase Effective July 11. Fines will now start at $2,500 for a first offense, $5,000 for a second, and $10,000 for a third. Previously, penalties were set at $100, $200, and $500, which failed to deter illegal dumping by unpermitted haulers and residents. Click here for more details.

• In Santa Cruz, residents can schedule up to three bulky item reuse collections per year with GreenWaste Recovery at no additional cost.
• GreenWaste provides three free bulky item reuse collections per year!
• Reusable Materials: This includes items in good condition that are suitable for donation, like furniture, clothing, etc.
• E-waste: Examples include televisions, computers, monitors, laptops, and tablets.
• Appliances: Refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, dryers, etc. Note that appliances with Freon count as two items.
• Scheduling: To schedule a collection, contact GreenWaste Customer Service.

Are you passionate about Zero Waste? Are you ready to learn more about reducing waste, diverting food scraps from the landfill, recycling right, and then educating and inspiring others so they can make a difference too? If you answered yes, then the City of Santa Cruz Master Recycler Volunteer Training Program is for you. More information as well as the application can be found at Recycling and Waste Reduction.