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City reports early progress on 'Cleanup San Bruno' anti‑dumping initiative; staff to return with code changes and camera plans
Summary
Public works and police staff said the cross‑departmental Cleanup San Bruno initiative is shifting the pattern of illegal dumping by focusing on hotspots, evidence collection and partnerships; staff reported 11 hotspots, about 750 debris‑removal service calls per year, camera trailers in use and an encroachment permit with Caltrans to access certain right‑of‑way areas.
San Bruno — City staff told the City Council on Feb. 10 that the six‑month Cleanup San Bruno effort is beginning to change recurring illegal‑dumping patterns by combining operations, enforcement, investigations, education and data.
"This initiative is demonstrating effectiveness by seeking to change conditions and behaviors over time, not just removing debris after the fact," Public Works Director Matt Lee said. He described the program—known internally as Lit ATF—as a cross‑departmental team coordinating public works, police, code enforcement, parks, and community engagement to address hot spots and repeat dumping.
Staff reported several concrete operational steps taken in the past six months: Recology dedicated two staff two hours per weekday to check and remove illegally dumped items at 11 identified hotspot locations; the city purchased a skid steer to handle large items safely; and a temporary maintenance worker was hired to patrol and address problem locations five days per week. Lee said the initiative prioritizes predictable patterns: "Roughly 750 service calls a year means that this is happening multiple times a day," and that regional traffic volumes underscore the problem’s wider scope.
Code enforcement supervisor Scott Rogge and Captain Brent Schimick (Police) said enforcement has been hampered in some cases by gaps in the municipal code and by the evidentiary burden required to issue citations. Rogge said the city is working with the city attorney to draft municipal code amendments; staff expects to return in March with proposed changes to strengthen enforceable citations and vacant‑property tools.
Staff also described progress negotiating with Caltrans. Deputy director Dennis Bosch said the city obtained an encroachment permit and a modified delegated maintenance agreement allowing city crews and contractors to access certain Caltrans properties for debris removal. Lee added that the city has deployed camera trailers at hotspots to deter dumping and gather evidence; permanent camera installations will be considered after pilot evaluation and as contracts and pole infrastructure are arranged.
Public outreach is a central component. Anna Morales, management analyst, said the city is launching a community survey and a social media campaign, and has produced a PSA to educate residents about reporting. Sunil of SmartTel/AI demonstrated an online dashboard in development that will show reports, hotspot locations and response activity; staff said they hope to publish a public version of the dashboard next quarter.
Council members applauded the cross‑departmental approach and asked staff for follow‑up materials, including the heat‑map images without overlay and clearer cost breakdowns for ongoing vs. one‑time expenses. Council also discussed the need for equitable enforcement and tools for vacant properties; staff reiterated plans to bring municipal code amendments and more operational details back to council for approval.
What happens next: Staff will return with draft municipal code amendments in March, provide cost and timeline details for permanent camera infrastructure and hotspot management, and publish a public dashboard and the Operation Clean Sweep volunteer event scheduled for May 2, 2026.
Quotes: "When dumping is consistently cleaned up without changing conditions, behaviors adapt," Lee said. "This initiative brings multiple tools and departments together under one strategy."
