Disaster Debris Recovery Operations

California has a program to work with local governments to help clean up after disasters like wildfires and debris flow mudslides.

California’s Wildfire Debris Removal Program Cleans Up After Climate-Fueled Wildfires

Since 2007, CalRecycle has supported communities impacted by wildfires and other disasters by safely disposing of contaminated debris at no out-of-pocket cost to property owners, leaving properties safe to rebuild.

CalRecycle is not assigned cleanup of every disaster in California. When tasked with a cleanup, CalRecycle works with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and federal, state, and local partners to clear debris from properties damaged by state and federally-declared disasters.

Helping Families Move Forward

Cleanup Project Highlights Since 2007

2024.09.24 Incident Map

Fire Incidents

property cleared of disaster debris

Properties Cleared

piles of debris

Million Tons of Debris Removed

Current Debris Operations

CalRecycle is currently mission-tasked by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to conduct Phase 2 private property debris removal for the Park Fire, Thompson Fire, and Borel Fire.

Licensed contractors will be deployed to wildfire areas in the coming weeks.

Survivors should contact their local county for details on how to enroll in government-funded debris removal and other wildfire survivor services: 

       Borel Fire – Kern County

       Boyles Fire – Lake County

       Park Fire – Butte County

       Park Fire – Tehama County

       Thompson Fire – Butte County

Phase 1 Household Hazardous Waste removal is now underway by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Use this interactive map to track Phase 1 progress.

Information for Homeowners

If you have been impacted by wildfire, use caution and see if you qualify for assistance from local or state government.

 

 

property cleared of disaster debris

Removal and Recovery Operations

Wildfire debris must be safely removed and disposed of for communities to recover, rebuild, and avoid further contamination.

 

disaster debris cleanup

Contractors

CalRecycle works with disaster debris removal contractors on projects for services such as removing waste, and tree removal.

 

For more information contact, the Office of Public Affairs, opa@calrecycle.ca.gov