Reporting Spills and Illegal Dumping

Reporting Spills and Illegal Dumping

Protecting our streets, storm drains and local waterways is a shared responsibility in our community. If you see illegal dumping, spills or anything entering a storm drain that could harm water quality, please report it to the City as soon as possible to the following phone line:

Spill and Illegal Dumping Reporting Hotline: (650) 853-3100

Hours 9AM-4PM

If the spill or illegal dumping appears to pose an immediate threat to public health or the environment, and is outside of the hotline reporting hours, Police Dispatch may also be contacted at the following line:

East Palo Alto Police Dispatch: (650) 321-1112

 

To report spills and illegal dumping not requiring immediate response, a report may also be submitted online using the following web form: Contact Us | City of East Palo Alto

Under Contact Us, select “Illegal Dumping” or “Spills” as the category.

Providing details helps the City respond quickly. If possible, be prepared to include the following information in your report:

  • Location
  • Time
  • Description of material spilled/dumped
  • Vehicle information, if relevant
  • Photos/video
  • Your contact information (optional, for follow-up by City staff)

 

Importance of Reporting

Storm drains in East Palo Alto flow directly to local creeks and the Bay without treatment. Spills and dumping contribute pollutants that can harm water quality, wildlife habitat, and public health. Reporting helps the City stop pollution at the source.

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Common Examples

Examples of spills include:

  • Spilled fuel or vehicle fluids in parking lots, roads or any other surfaces which wash into storm drains.
  • Spilled paint or other hazardous materials
  • Dirty wash water from car washing or power washing
  • Grey water/sewer discharges

Examples of illegal dumping include:

  • Furniture, mattresses, or bags of trash left on roads or sidewalks
  • Dumped construction debris
  • Abandoned vehicles or equipment

Proper Disposal and Resources

Bulky Items and Solid Waste

To legally dispose of bulky items and solid waste, contact Recology at the following phone number: (650) 595-3900

A bulky item pickup may be scheduled through the following webpage: https://www.recology.com/recology-san-mateo-county/bulky-item-recycling/

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)

Residents of East Palo Alto may dispose of their hazardous waste at local HHW facilities, which include:

Each program website may be referenced for specific hours and materials accepted.

Sanitary Sewer Spills

If the issue appears to involve the sanitary sewer system (e.g., sewage overflow, sewer odors, or wastewater discharge), contact:

East Palo Alto Sanitary District: (650) 325-9021

 

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