Turlock Police Department

Neighborhood Services

Refuse

The health risks associated with illegal dumping are significant. Areas used for illegal dumping may be easily accessible to people, especially children, who are vulnerable to the physical (protruding nails or sharp edges) and chemical (harmful fluids or dust) hazards posed by wastes. Rodents, insects, and other vermin attracted to dump sites may also pose health risks.

Dump sites with scrap tires provide an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can multiply 100 times faster than normal in the warm, stagnant water standing in scrap tire casings. Severe illnesses, including encephalitis, West Nile disease, and dengue fever, have been attributed to disease-carrying mosquitoes originating from scrap tire piles. In addition, countless neighborhoods have been evacuated and property damage has been significant because of dump sites that caught fire, either by spontaneous combustion or, more commonly, by arson.

The City's Code Enforcement staff enforces all housing codes applicable in the community, including the provision against the open storage of junk. This code states that front and side yards shall be kept and maintained free and clear of all construction and automotive materials or parts, trash, refuse, debris, inoperative motor vehicles, camper shells, discarded or broken materials, appliances, furniture, junk, equipment or similar materials.

If a Neighborhood Services Code Enforcement Officer determines that a property is not in compliance with the Turlock Municipal Code, a notice of violation is sent to the property owner. If the owner does not correct the violation after receiving three violation notices, the property may be determined a public nuisance and be abated by a contractor at the property owner's expense.

To report refuse on personal property, call Neighborhood Services at 209-664-7348, or complete the online citizen report form.

Laws regarding refuse on personal property

City of Turlock Municipal Code - Section 5-5-201

City of Turlock Municipal Code - Section 5-5-202