A Desert Hot Springs resident is calling attention to what he says is a growing illegal dumping problem on roughly 50 acres of vacant land next to his mobile home park, saying the debris has become a threat to property values and a potential environmental concern.
Mark, who lives at Hidden Springs Country Club, says he contacted Riverside County months ago about the condition of the property near Yerxa Road, Mountain View Road, Camino Avenida Aventura and San Jacinto. He says little has changed and that residents have watched the area deteriorate over the years.
“We've lived in the adjacent park for about eight years, and we've watched it go downhill,” Mark said. He said the dumping has affected the value of nearby homes, which he described as residents' life savings.
Mark is particularly concerned about materials he says have been dumped on the property, including oil and antifreeze. He said he does not know what else may be present and is asking county officials to clean up the property and fence it off.
The City of Desert Hot Springs confirmed the property is in unincorporated Riverside County and said responsibility for cleanup falls to the landowner. Riverside County Code Enforcement is the agency responsible for taking action, according to the segment.
The problem extends beyond one piece of land. During the Roggin Report, attorney Brian Harnik said illegal dumping has been a longstanding issue across the Coachella Valley, pointing to the expense and inconvenience associated with properly disposing of waste.
Chauncey Thompson, COO of Barton CPA, said there are dumping “hot spots” throughout the Valley, including areas around Desert Hot Springs, Coachella and unincorporated Indio Hills. He also noted that disposal fees and long waits at dump sites can create challenges, particularly for contractors whose time directly affects their costs.
Both contributors agreed that the current situation raises questions about whether existing penalties are enough to discourage illegal dumping. Thompson suggested technology such as Flock cameras could potentially help communities identify people dumping illegally.
For residents living next to dumping sites, however, the issue is about more than trash. It can affect the appearance of neighborhoods, property values and concerns about what materials are being left behind.
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By: NBC Palm Springs
August 18, 2026
