Abandoned Vehicles Project

Donation, Selling & “Junking” Options (often convenient/free of charge). Donations likely tax deductible!
Consumer Assistance Programs available for eligible residents.

Note: Landfill/transfer station facilities generally do not accept vehicles and are not required to provide vehicle disposal guidance.

If you suspect illegal dumping or abandonment

Please Report

Project Summary

Reasons why vehicles (automobiles, RVs, watercraft) get dumped/abandoned vary widely and can differ regionally. The Illegal Dumping Technical Advisory Committee (IDTAC) of California prioritized the issue, aiming to educate and further highlight the statewide problem.

Abandoned Vehicles Publication (forthcoming, presentation) -- available upon request

This project webpage works in conjunction with the publication.

Get Involved

Get involved and share more resources to help tackle this issue. Your contributions aid in supporting a clean and safe environment.

Abandoned Vehicles Google Groups Forum (if needed, Access Instructions)

Notable Resources

Other Publications

1 source: https://popcenter.asu.edu/content/abandoned-vehicles-0

2 source: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2022-07/Abandoned_Vehicle_Guide_Final%20October%202009_508adc_7.22.2022_0.pdf

3 source: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-10/documents/eol_vehicle_guide_final_english.pdf

4 source: author - shared at IDTAC/Subcommittee meetings

5 source: https://www.lapdpolicecom.lacity.org/111423/BPC_23-227.pdf

6 source: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/vehicle-dismantler-industry-strike-team-pdf

Brochures

Programs

Resources may assist with abandoned vehicles but in conjunction with other illegal dumping/disposal efforts.

EJ Grants

IDTAC Meeting Material

From 2023 onward the IDTAC addresses the abandoned vehicle project. Meeting materials such as notes and slides are available.

Data, Surveys

The publication details different ways the IDTAC and Subcommittees have obtained and plan to obtain data—primarily through (reporting) forms, surveys, and databases. Results from these efforts are below and/or may be made available upon request.

Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (California State Controller)
IDTAC Surveys

- Abandoned Vehicle/RV/Boat Issue Survey Response Summary

- CHP AVA Program Survey Response Summary

Report It!

Report illegally dumped/abandoned vehicles such as automobiles, vans, RVs, campers, trailers, and boats as soon as possible to keep your community clean, free from hazards, leaks, and pollutants that can impact the ground, water sources, and even air.

Note: local government receives a variety of complaints, so please be patient or continue to follow-up until the incident is resolved.

How to Report

Report incidents locally to your city or county. They may have a variety of ways to report including: mobile app, webpage (forms), phone or email.
Your local environmental health office may be able to determine where to report abandoned vehicles.
Contacts on the statewide Report Illegal Dumping Map may be able to assist with abandoned vehicle issues.
Still unsure where to report? The California Highway Patrol (CHP) offers non-emergency information services like the “Tell CHP” hotline.

What to Report

Location: be as exact as possible. Is it on a street, dirt road, in a ditch, etc.?

Note: assistance may vary depending on whether the vehicle is located on private or public property.

Condition: Is it missing any parts such as wheels? Is it burned? Is it filled with “trash” or other items?
Identifiers: License plate #? Make, model, color?
Pictures/Video: provide if available and the reporting systems allows.

Contact/Comments

Consider getting involved.

Comments/edits to project content? Email IllegalDumping@calrecycle.ca.gov

Thank you for your dedication to elevating and managing illegal dumping locally and statewide!

Qs: IllegalDumping@calrecycle.ca.gov | Illegal Dumping Resources/IDTAC Toolbox

Report Illegal Dumping Map