Hazardous Waste Management Plan
Senate Bill 158 (2021), which created the California Board of Environmental Safety (BES), specified that starting in March 2023 and every three years thereafter, DTSC shall prepare a Hazardous Waste Management Report.
Starting in March 2025, and every three years thereafter, DTSC shall prepare a Hazardous Waste Management Plan (Plan) based on the report and present it to the BES for vote. The Plan shall be based on the report and shall serve as a comprehensive planning document for the management of hazardous waste in the state, as a useful informational source to guide state and local hazardous waste management efforts, and as a guide for DTSC’s implementation of its Hazardous Waste Management Program.
The BES shall hold at least three public hearings in various parts of the state to receive comments from the public on the draft Plan. Due to the many requests the Board received, a fourth hearing has been scheduled and will be part of our July 15-16, 2025 meeting in Sacramento. The input gathered will help shape the final version of the Plan before it is brought before the BES for a vote.
Hazardous Waste Management Plan Approval Timeline
2025 Tentative Hearings Schedule
For the most current hearing details, please visit our “Next Meeting” page.
March 19 and 20 – Central Valley (Fresno)
Location: Fresno City Hall Council Chambers, 2600 Fresno Street, 2nd Floor, Fresno CA, 93721
Hazardous Waste Management Plan Hearing #1
April 24 – Berkeley
Location: DTSC Berkeley Regional Office Auditorium (Third Floor), 700 Heinz Avenue, Suite 200, Berkeley, CA 94710
Hazardous Waste Management Plan Hearing #2
May 15 – Los Angeles Area
Location: DTSC Cypress Regional Office Conference Room, 5796 Corporate Ave, Cypress, CA 90630
Hazardous Waste Management Plan Hearing #3
July 15 and 16 – Sacramento, CalEPA HQ
Hazardous Waste Management Plan Hearing #4
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Plan?
The Hazardous Waste Management Plan (Plan) mandated by SB158 (2021) and developed by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), is a roadmap for improving how hazardous waste is handled in California. It will use research and public input to identify current challenges and create strategies to manage hazardous waste more safely and efficiently. The plan will guide decisions on how to manage hazardous waste responsibly to reduce harmful impacts on public health and the environment.
What is considered hazardous waste?
Hazardous waste is a waste with properties that make it potentially dangerous or harmful to human health or the environment. This can be in the form of solids, liquids, or contained gases. Examples of hazardous waste include but are not limited to batteries, pesticides, industrial waste, contaminated soil and even certain household items like paints and electronics. These materials must be handled in a manner that protects public health and the environment.
What is the purpose of the Plan?
The purpose of the Plan is to serve as a comprehensive guide for managing hazardous waste in California. The Plan will inform and direct state and local efforts and help shape future policies to make waste management more effective and safer for human health and the environment. Research data and public input will be used to develop hazardous waste management recommendations and strategies.
Will my comments be considered for the final plan?
Yes! Public input is a key part of the process. Community members, environmental groups, regulated entities, and other interested parties are all encouraged to share their perspectives. Numerous workshops have been held by DTSC for the draft Plan, and workshop information can be found here. The Board of Environmental Safety (BES) will host three hearings in various parts of the state to receive comments from the public on the draft Plan. The input gathered will help shape the final version of the Plan before it’s brought before the BES for a vote.
How can I become more involved with the decision-making process?
DTSC encourages input for the development of the Hazardous Waste Management Plan. Please submit your written comments here.
To receive notifications about future hearings or to learn more about the hearing logistics, please reach out to Sheena Brooks.
Regulations
DTSC’s HWM Report & Plan Resources
Questions, Comments, and Feedback
DTSC encourages input for the development of the draft Hazardous Waste Management Plan. Please submit your written comments here.
You may also email the Board at besinfo@bes.dtsc.ca.gov.