If you received a citation, a fine has been issued. Review the notice to identify the violation(s). You must correct the violation(s) and submit proof or documentation by the due date listed in your citation to avoid additional fines. Fine amounts increase to up to $500 per violation and will continue every 60 days for continued non-compliance.
Plastic Bag Law citations: Learn about fine amounts and resolving violations here.
1. Pay Your Citation
Online
Go to the Citation Processing Center. Select "Administrative Citations," then search by "Citation and Date." Enter the citation number and date found at the top right of your letter.
By Check
- Make check payable to: StopWaste – Citation Processing Center
- Include your citation number on the check
- Mail to:
StopWaste - Citation Processing Center
P.O. Box 7275
Newport Beach, CA 92658-7275
2. Resolve the Violation & Submit Proof
In addition to paying the fine, you must correct the violation(s) and submit proof by the due date on your letter.
Select your violation type:
Already in Compliance?
Use the Submit Proof form to provide documentation demonstrating your compliance. If your site was in compliance prior to the date of the citation, this may resolve the citation without a formal appeal, and payment is not required if your documentation supports pre-citation compliance.
Appealing a Citation
If you believe your citation was issued in error, you have the right to appeal within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the citation. Note that you must submit payment of the Total Fine amount with your appeal letter in order to be granted a citation appeal hearing.
Fine Amounts
Each violation constitutes its own fine. Fine amounts depend on the type of violation and the size of your operation, and escalate with each subsequent citation.
Compost & Recycling Service Violations
These fines apply individually to each violation: failure to have compost service, failure to have recycling service, or unavailable collection containers/insufficient service.
| Garbage Service Level | 1st Citation | 2nd Citation | 3+ Citations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 2 cubic yards per week | $50 | $100 | $250 |
| 2 or more cubic yards per week | $100 | $200 | $500 |
Edible Food Recovery Violations
These fines apply individually to each violation: lack of written agreement with an FRO/FRS, lack of food donation records, or failure to donate maximum amount of edible food.
| Generator Tier | 1st Citation | 2nd Citation | 3+ Citations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 (large grocery, wholesalers/distributors) | $100 | $200 | $500 |
| Tier 2 (large restaurants, hotels, health facilities, etc.) | $50 | $100 | $250 |
Food Recovery Organization/Service (FRO/FRS) Reporting
| 1st Citation | 2nd Citation | 3+ Citations | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lack of reporting by FRO/FRS | $50 | $100 | $250 |
Plastic Bag Law Violations
Learn about fine amounts and resolving violations here.
Sample Letters
Choose your citation type below to view examples of the citation letters that are mailed out.