Illegal dumping is any unauthorized disposal of waste on any public or private property. For example, leaving sofas, beds, mattresses, and other items on the street or sidewalk is illegal dumping. Illegal dumping is a misdemeanor crime punishable with a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 6 months imprisonment. Abandoned items left on public property create an eyesore to the community, harbor rodents, create safety concerns, and are a nuisance.

Report an illegally dumped item on public property:

• Online on the Report An Issue webpage

Report an abandoned item on private property or parkways:

• Call Code Enforcement at (626) 932-5582

Report someone actively illegally dumping items in the public right of way:

• Monrovia Police Department: (626) 256-8000

Note: Illegal dumping is not the same as scheduling a residential pickup with Athens Services. Please schedule residential bulky item pickups with Athens Services at (888) 336-6100 or complete the online form at Athens Services

Tips to Reduce Illegal Dumping

For property owners who want to reduce illegal dumping in front of or near their property, here are some helpful tips:

• Educate – inform neighbors, tenants, and guests to schedule a bulky pickup with Athens Services before placing furniture, mattresses, and other items at the curb.
• Install real or fake security cameras to deter illegal dumping and to gather evidence of illegal dumping.  
   
• Install “No Dumping” signs around your property, which can be found at hardware stores and online.
• Keep the exterior of the property well-lit to help reduce illegal dumping and other crimes

Educational Yellow Tags

Have you seen yellow tags on a bulky item? These educational door hangers explain how to dispose of bulky items properly and have Spanish translation on the reverse side. If you receive one of these, do not worry; it is not a fine. Remove the bulky item from public property, schedule a bulky item pickup with Athens Services, and place it back out on trash day.

Click here for the PDF.