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.
Contractors and Subcontractors
For information about current contract solicitations and other opportunities with CalRecycle on debris removal and related projects, visit our Contracts page.
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
CalOES: Wildfire Recovery Resources
Current Wildfire Debris Cleanup Projects
Cal OES has tasked CalRecycle to manage wildfire debris removal operations throughout the state.
2021 Wildfire Season
Mobilization has begun for structural debris and hazard tree removal operations including the Dixie, Caldor, Monument, Tamarack, Lava, Antelope, River, River Complex, Hopkins, French, Washington and Cache Fires. Property owners should contact their local county or city for details on enrolling in this government-financed disaster recovery program.
- Alpine County
- El Dorado County
- Kern County
- Lake County
- Lassen County
- Mendocino County
- Nevada County
- Placer County
- Plumas County
- Shasta County
- Siskiyou County:
- Tehama County
- Trinity County
- Tulare County (Details to come)
- Tuolumne County
For more information on 2021 recovery services visit Cal OES.
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.
Order of Operations
The state-managed debris removal program has two phases: 1) The removal of household hazardous waste by the Department of Toxic Substance Control, and 2) The removal of other fire-related debris by CalRecycle.
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.
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.