Monterey County named Clean California Community for efforts to curb litter and illegal dumping

Monterey County has been designated as a Clean California Community. It recognizes efforts to reduce illegal dumping, litter and preserve the environment. The Clean California Community Designation Program is part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $1.2 billion Clean California initiative, which was launched in 2021. It includes a set list of criteria to meet, including youth education, infrastructure, enforcement and collection drives.The county had to complete at least 10 of the 15 criteria to be designated as a Clean California Community. After receiving the designation, the county can post personalized signage with the Clean California Community designation seal, will receive recognition on state websites and has access to national grant opportunities. Monterey County’s Illegal Dumping and Litter Abatement Task Force (IDLATF) has contributed to the reduction of illegal dumping in the area. It uses education, enforcement, funded clean-up efforts and community collaboration to achieve a cleaner environment. The IDLATF was founded in 1996 and developed a program to offer free disposal of litter and dumped material for community clean-up events and victims of illegal dumping. The county also increased illegal dumping fines in 2024. Those increases jumped from $100 to$2,500, $200 to $5,000, and $500 to $5,000 for each subsequent offense. That initiative was started in July 2021. Along with partners, it has removed more than 3.4 million cubic yards of litter from roadsides and public spaces.

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. —

Monterey County has been designated as a Clean California Community. It recognizes efforts to reduce illegal dumping, litter and preserve the environment.

The Clean California Community Designation Program is part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $1.2 billion Clean California initiative, which was launched in 2021. It includes a set list of criteria to meet, including youth education, infrastructure, enforcement and collection drives.

The county had to complete at least 10 of the 15 criteria to be designated as a Clean California Community. After receiving the designation, the county can post personalized signage with the Clean California Community designation seal, will receive recognition on state websites and has access to national grant opportunities.

Monterey County’s Illegal Dumping and Litter Abatement Task Force (IDLATF) has contributed to the reduction of illegal dumping in the area. It uses education, enforcement, funded clean-up efforts and community collaboration to achieve a cleaner environment.

The IDLATF was founded in 1996 and developed a program to offer free disposal of litter and dumped material for community clean-up events and victims of illegal dumping. The county also increased illegal dumping fines in 2024. Those increases jumped from $100 to$2,500, $200 to $5,000, and $500 to $5,000 for each subsequent offense.

That initiative was started in July 2021. Along with partners, it has removed more than 3.4 million cubic yards of litter from roadsides and public spaces.