Oakland, CA – Last night, the Oakland City Council unanimously approved a comprehensive legislative package to combat illegal dumping, marking a major milestone in the City’s coordinated, citywide response to one of Oaklanders’ most persistent concerns.
With strong, unanimous support from City Council, the legislative package strengthens enforcement, deploys new technology, and advances statewide accountability measures. The effort is led by Mayor Barbara Lee in partnership with City Council members, City departments, community organizations, and regional leaders.
Oakland is also building momentum at the state level, where Senator Arreguín’s illegal dumping bill, SB 1218, has advanced out of committee—an important step toward establishing stronger, statewide consequences for repeat offenders.
MEDIA ADVISORY: APRIL 20 PRESS CONFERENCE — Learn About Solutions to Illegal Dumping in Oakland
Media are invited to attend a press conference to learn about Oakland’s comprehensive illegal dumping strategy, including the newly adopted legislation, over $1 million in new funding and expanded initiatives to keep Oakland clean:
- Where: 750 50th Ave – KOCB Yard
- When: Monday, April 20 at 11:30 AM
- More details to come
- Please confirm your attendance by emailing: mayorspressoffice@oaklandca.gov
LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE OVERVIEW
The unanimously adopted package represents a holistic, equity-centered strategy to address illegal dumping at every level:
Strengthening Illegal Dumping Enforcement Ordinance
- Increases penalties and adds new violations
- Expands enforcement tools, including addressing unlicensed vehicles
- Requires an equity-focused root cause analysis and long-term solutions
Aerbits Pilot Program Resolution
- Launches aerial technology to proactively detect illegal dumping
- Improves response times, tracking, and accountability
- Incorporates privacy protections recommended by the Privacy Advisory Commission
Advancing Statewide Accountability: SB 1218
In addition to local action, Oakland is supporting SB 1218, the city-sponsored legislation authored by Senator Arreguín, which successfully passed out of its first policy committee with unanimous bipartisan support. The bill
- Requires individuals to resolve illegal dumping fines before renewing vehicle registration
- Establishes stronger, statewide accountability for repeat offenders
- Helps prevent bad actors from continuing illegal dumping across city boundaries
“This unanimous vote makes clear that Oakland is taking decisive, coordinated action to stop illegal dumping at every level,” said Mayor Barbara Lee. “We are strengthening enforcement, deploying new technology, expanding education and public awareness to prevent dumping before it starts, and advancing regional and statewide solutions—including Senator Arreguín’s SB 1218 to hold repeat offenders accountable. Just as importantly, we are also leading with equity and tackling the root causes that have disproportionately impacted our most affected neighborhoods. Together, this comprehensive strategy moves us closer to the cleaner, safer Oakland our residents deserve.”
“Illegal dumping has been a persistent quality-of-life issue in Oakland, especially in neighborhoods that have been historically underserved,” said Council President Kevin Jenkins. “This comprehensive package reflects what our residents have been asking for stronger enforcement, smarter tools, and real accountability for those who continue to harm our communities. By aligning our efforts locally , we are sending a clear message: Oakland is united in protecting our neighborhoods and delivering cleaner, safer streets for everyone.”
“I am extremely proud to see our legislation strengthening illegal dumping enforcement pass city council” said Councilmember Unger. “Enforcement is crucial, but just as important is educating the public about the harm illegal dumping does and the consequences you will face for doing it. Thank you to the Oakland Public Works Department for hosting this event at their yard and taking the time to educate the public about illegal dumping.”
“Illegal dumping has disproportionately impacted certain neighborhoods for far too long. With these pieces of legislation, Oakland is taking a significant step forward in how we tackle this issue, said Liam Garland, Director of Public Works. We’re combining stronger enforcement, innovative tools and regional accountability to address illegal dumping at every level while improving how quickly we deliver services on the ground.”
“I am honored that City of Oakland leadership approved moving forward together with this innovative Aerbits technology to help remedy illegal dumping,” said Brian Johnson of Aerbits. “There is currently a gap in the dumping data, and incomplete information hinders the ability to clean efficiently and equitably. This Resolution supports the hard-working Public Works crews to bring about a cleaner Oakland.”
A UNIFIED, CITYWIDE APPROACH
This unanimous vote reflects strong alignment across City leadership, departments, and community partners to address illegal dumping through:
- Stronger enforcement and penalties
- Proactive technology and data-driven solutions
- Regional and statewide coordination
- Equity-focused, community-centered strategies
The legislative package builds on Oakland’s “Keep The Town Clean” initiative and reinforces the City’s commitment to delivering cleaner streets, safer neighborhoods, and long-term solutions for every community.
Media are encouraged to attend the April 20 press conference at 11:30am to learn more about how these policies will be implemented and to see first hand the people, processes, and tools driving Oakland’s response. Please confirm your attendance by emailing: mayorspressoffice@oaklandca.gov