Alameda County Grand Jury
2025-2026
Findings & Recommendations
48 findings
26-1:
Illegal dumping of trash has been a massive problem in the City of Oakland for many years.
F26-1:
Illegal dumping of trash has been a massive problem in the City of Oakland for many years.
26-2:
In recent years, the City of Oakland has collected about 20 million pounds of illegally dumped waste annually.
F26-2:
In recent years, the City of Oakland has collected about 20 million pounds of illegally dumped waste annually.
26-3:
Illegal dumping in the City of Oakland is a multi-faceted problem, with several causes and several different actions necessary to tackle different parts of the problem.
F26-3:
Illegal dumping in the City of Oakland is a multi-faceted problem, with several causes and several different actions necessary to tackle different parts of the problem.
26-4:
Among the causes of illegal dumping, the City of Oakland’s rates for residential garbage containers have spurred illegal dumping of excess trash, as customers choose smaller containers that cost less, rather than a sufficient size for the amount of waste they generate.
F26-4:
Among the causes of illegal dumping, the City of Oakland’s rates for residential garbage containers have spurred illegal dumping of excess trash, as customers choose smaller containers that cost less, rather than a sufficient size for the amount of waste they generate.
26-5:
The City of Oakland has thousands of businesses without mandatory garbage service, resulting in illegal dumping of their waste.
F26-5:
The City of Oakland has thousands of businesses without mandatory garbage service, resulting in illegal dumping of their waste.
26-6:
Over the years, the City of Oakland has tried different approaches to fighting illegal dumping, with various programs using different names.
F26-6:
Over the years, the City of Oakland has tried different approaches to fighting illegal dumping, with various programs using different names.
26-7:
Eradication, or cleaning up illegally dumped waste, alone is not a solution; it must be combined with education about proper disposal and strong enforcement of laws against dumping.
F26-7:
Eradication, or cleaning up illegally dumped waste, alone is not a solution; it must be combined with education about proper disposal and strong enforcement of laws against dumping.
26-8:
While the City of Oakland has made some particular enforcement efforts against illegal dumping, such as having Environmental Enforcement Officers and using cameras, its overall illegal dumping enforcement has been inadequate. 33(cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) 2025-2026 Alameda County Grand Jury Final Report (cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:3) (cid:3)
F26-8:
While the City of Oakland has made some particular enforcement efforts against illegal dumping, such as having Environmental Enforcement Officers and using cameras, its overall illegal dumping enforcement has been inadequate. 33(cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) 2025-2026 Alameda County Grand Jury Final Report (cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:3) (cid:3)
26-9:
Although the City of Oakland’s ordinances provide for civil and even criminal penalties for illegal dumping, the amount of civil penalties has been too low to deter or effectively punish illegal dumping.
F26-9:
Although the City of Oakland’s ordinances provide for civil and even criminal penalties for illegal dumping, the amount of civil penalties has been too low to deter or effectively punish illegal dumping.
26-10:
Current state law does not allow the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to withhold vehicle registration renewals for vehicles used in illegal dumping if the owners have any delinquent illegal dumping fines.
F26-10:
Current state law does not allow the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to withhold vehicle registration renewals for vehicles used in illegal dumping if the owners have any delinquent illegal dumping fines.
26-11:
Currently, the City of Oakland cannot use delinquent illegal dumping fines imposed under its local ordinance to prevent the DMV from renewing a vehicle registration.
F26-11:
Currently, the City of Oakland cannot use delinquent illegal dumping fines imposed under its local ordinance to prevent the DMV from renewing a vehicle registration.
26-12:
The City of Oakland has implemented cameras around the city to catch people engaged in illegal dumping, and the city council recently allowed Community Safety (CS) camera footage to be used for illegal dumping enforcement.
F26-12:
The City of Oakland has implemented cameras around the city to catch people engaged in illegal dumping, and the city council recently allowed Community Safety (CS) camera footage to be used for illegal dumping enforcement.
26-13:
The City of Oakland has prohibited the Oakland Police Department from sharing Automated License Plate Reader data with the Public Works Department for illegal dumping enforcement.
F26-13:
The City of Oakland has prohibited the Oakland Police Department from sharing Automated License Plate Reader data with the Public Works Department for illegal dumping enforcement.
26-14:
In the past several years, the City of Oakland has not made any referrals to the Alameda County District Attorney’s office for criminal prosecution of illegal dumping.
F26-14:
In the past several years, the City of Oakland has not made any referrals to the Alameda County District Attorney’s office for criminal prosecution of illegal dumping.
26-15:
The City of Oakland’s Environmental Enforcement Officers lack sufficient technology for their enforcement and citation efforts involving illegal dumping.
F26-15:
The City of Oakland’s Environmental Enforcement Officers lack sufficient technology for their enforcement and citation efforts involving illegal dumping.
26-16:
The City of Oakland recovers a low percentage of civil penalties imposed on illegal dumping offenders through administrative citations. (cid:3) (cid:3) 34(cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) 2025-2026 Alameda County Grand Jury Final Report (cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:3) (cid:3)
F26-16:
The City of Oakland recovers a low percentage of civil penalties imposed on illegal dumping offenders through administrative citations. (cid:3) (cid:3) 34(cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) 2025-2026 Alameda County Grand Jury Final Report (cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:3) (cid:3)
26-17:
The City of Oakland’s free programs for bulky waste disposal have been underutilized for various reasons, such as lack of awareness, scheduling, and language hurdles, making it difficult for residents to use them.
F26-17:
The City of Oakland’s free programs for bulky waste disposal have been underutilized for various reasons, such as lack of awareness, scheduling, and language hurdles, making it difficult for residents to use them.
26-18:
The City of Oakland does not regulate private junk haulers, except those handling construction and demolition debris.
F26-18:
The City of Oakland does not regulate private junk haulers, except those handling construction and demolition debris.
26-19:
The City of Oakland’s crews in its Keep Oakland Clean and Beautiful division, who are responsible for illegal dumping cleanup, also conduct work clearing homeless encampments.
F26-19:
The City of Oakland’s crews in its Keep Oakland Clean and Beautiful division, who are responsible for illegal dumping cleanup, also conduct work clearing homeless encampments.
26-20:
The City of Oakland’s OAK311 system allows the public to inform the city where illegal dumping problems occur.
F26-20:
The City of Oakland’s OAK311 system allows the public to inform the city where illegal dumping problems occur.
26-21:
The City of Oakland (Keep Oakland Clean and Beautiful) has prematurely closed illegal dumping work orders before all types of waste had been removed from a location.
F26-21:
The City of Oakland (Keep Oakland Clean and Beautiful) has prematurely closed illegal dumping work orders before all types of waste had been removed from a location.
26-22:
The City of Oakland (Keep Oakland Clean and Beautiful) has provided training to its employees on the proper closure of work orders, but needs to reinforce that training.
F26-22:
The City of Oakland (Keep Oakland Clean and Beautiful) has provided training to its employees on the proper closure of work orders, but needs to reinforce that training.
26-23:
The City of Oakland’s Keep Oakland Clean and Beautiful crews have had their illegal dumping cleanup work slowed by vehicles and equipment not being in working condition.
F26-23:
The City of Oakland’s Keep Oakland Clean and Beautiful crews have had their illegal dumping cleanup work slowed by vehicles and equipment not being in working condition.
26-24:
The City of Oakland does not have a single point person responsible for overseeing and coordinating its illegal dumping efforts.
F26-24:
The City of Oakland does not have a single point person responsible for overseeing and coordinating its illegal dumping efforts.
Additional Recommendations
8
Not linked to specific findings.
26-1:
Within 120 days, the City of Oakland (City Council) should enact an ordinance requiring businesses to subscribe to waste collection services.
26-2:
Within 120 days, the City of Oakland (City Council) should enact legislation regulating private junk haulers similar to the city’s ordinance regulating construction and demolition debris 35(cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) 2025-2026 Alameda County Grand Jury Final Report (cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:3) (cid:3) haulers, including registration requirements, prohibitions on the use of unlicensed haulers, the creation of a public list of licensed haulers, and a requirement that haulers provide proof of proper disposal to the city.
26-3:
Within 90 days, the City of Oakland must undertake improved education campaigns to promote use of the free bulky waste pickup and drop-off services, including targeted outreach to residents of multi-unit dwellings and communities where English is not a first language.
26-4:
Within 120 days, the City of Oakland (City Council) should amend city policy on the use of Automated License Plate Reader data to allow such data to be shared with the Public Works Department for illegal dumping enforcement, subject to appropriate safeguards.
26-5:
Within 120 days, the City of Oakland must provide Environmental Enforcement Officers with handheld technology, like the technology that the city’s parking enforcement officers currently use.
26-6:
Within 90 days, the City of Oakland must provide and reinforce training to employees in the Public Works Department’s Keep Oakland Clean and Beautiful division, so that they do not prematurely and improperly close illegal dumping cleanup work orders before all waste has been removed from a location.
26-7:
Within 90 days, the City of Oakland should designate a single official or point person to manage and coordinate all illegal dumping efforts.
26-8:
Through ongoing negotiations with Waste Management, the City of Oakland must complete amendments to its franchise agreement that will help fight illegal dumping, including: (cid:120) changing the rate structure to make larger garbage containers more affordable (cid:120) enabling increased and easier use of the free bulky waste pickup and drop-off services, such as additional pick-ups and drop-offs (cid:120) allowing disposal of more waste, and (cid:120) reducing the time between scheduling appointments and pickups for bulky waste disposal. 36(cid:3) (cid:3)
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