.jpg "Debris Cleanup")
Every year, California faces the threat of devastating wildfires that have the potential to claim lives, destroy property, and harm the environment. These disasters often create a significant amount of debris, which can include ash, metal, concrete, building materials, contaminated soil and hazardous materials. Disaster debris must be removed and properly managed to reduce threats to public health and safety, protect the environment, and help communities recover and rebuild.
California’s Consolidated Debris Removal Program is implemented under the leadership of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) and local governments.
FACT SHEET: What you need to know before you return to your property
Translate
To translate this information into Spanish (or other languages), scroll to the bottom of the page and use the Google Translate box on the right side of the black bar.
Contractors and Subcontractors
For information about current contract solicitations and other opportunities with CalRecycle on debris removal and related projects, visit our Contracts page.
General Information
CalRecycle is often tasked with organizing, managing, implementing, and overseeing debris removal operations in support of local governments. CalRecycle oversees and manages contractors to conduct debris removal at no out-of-pocket cost to property owners. To participate, homeowners must grant cleanup crews access to their properties by returning signed right-of-entry agreements to their local governments.
.jpg "HHW debris")
Order of Operations
The state-managed debris removal program has two phases: 1) The removal of household hazardous waste, and 2) The removal of other fire-related debris.
.jpg "Burned Car")
Resources for Homeowners
CalRecycle has prepared resources and guidance to help affected residents with information about wildfire debris management and disposal, household hazardous waste collection and storage, and wildfire debris/ash cleanup and disposal.
.jpg "Debris Cleanup Crew")
Resources for Jurisdictions
Depending on the circumstances and extent of damage caused by a wildfire, local government jurisdictions develop a coordinated approach to fire debris cleanup.
Current Wildfire Debris Cleanup Projects
Cal OES has tasked CalRecycle to manage Camp Fire debris removal operations in Butte County. Find more information about the debris removal effort and additional resources for wildfire survivors on the following local recovery website: