Press Esc to cancel
"Local litter reduction programs, like the Santa Cruz County Pitch In Initiative, are smart and sensible ways to keep communities clean, protect the environment, and promote sustainability."
Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren
Eliminate litter, abandoned encampments, and dumping on roadways, waterways and agricultural land
Educate and engage community, non-profits, schools, and local governments
To improve the health, well-being, economic value and the beauty of our region
Since July 2021, Caltrans and its local partners have picked up more than 2.8 million cubic yards of litter – enough to cover nine lanes of Interstate 5 with trash from the Mexican border to Oregon.
This is illegal Dumping! Take usable items to appropriate locations.
"If you are a customer of GreenWaste, you qualify for four extra garbage setouts and three bulky items collected every calendar year as part of your service.Call GreenWaste customer service to schedule these events."– Beau Hawksford, County of Santa Cruz
Report Illegal Dumping
Join Us! We've kept thousands of yards of garbage from entering our waterways and oceans.
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.
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.