Landfills & Dumps in California

California's solid waste management system is overseen by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), which administers one of the nation's most comprehensive waste diversion programs. The state operates under a ambitious goal of 75% source reduction, recycling, and composting, with recent legislation like SB 1383 adding mandatory organic waste diversion requirements that affect every household and business in the state.

Disposal fees in California vary significantly by region, with metropolitan areas typically charging $40-80 per ton for municipal solid waste at landfills. Many facilities add environmental fees to fund closure and post-closure maintenance, as well as fees supporting recycling infrastructure. The state's Beverage Container Recycling Program provides redemption payments for eligible containers, making California one of the few states with bottle deposit legislation.

California mandates recycling of numerous materials including cardboard, paper, glass, metals, and most plastics. The state's Universal Waste Rule simplifies handling of batteries, fluorescent lamps, and electronics, allowing households to take these items to any certified collection point. SB 1383 requires all residents and businesses to separate food scraps and yard waste from trash, with facilities required to process organics separately.

Special waste categories in California include electronic waste (covered under the state's e-waste recycling program with fees built into purchase prices), mattresses (handled through the Bye Bye Mattress stewardship program), and paint (managed through PaintCare). Hazardous waste must go to permitted facilities or Household Hazardous Waste collection events held regularly throughout the state. Tires are processed through a state-managed recycling program funded by a $1.75 per-tire fee.

Before visiting any California facility, verify current fees and accepted materials as regulations change frequently. CalRecycle's website provides a searchable database of all permitted facilities, while local jurisdictions often maintain their own directories for convenient drop-off locations. Many urban areas offer curbside collection of bulky items and hazardous waste by appointment, reducing the need for self-hauling to disposal facilities.