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 (Cal OES) 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.
2022 Wildfire Season
Siskiyou County – McKinney Fire, Mill Fire, and Mountain Fire
California is offering debris removal at no out-of-pocket cost to those who lost residential structures of at least 120 square feet in the McKinney, Mill, and Mountain fires. Survivors may enroll their property by visiting co.siskiyou.ca.us or calling (530) 643-3661 for more information.
Wildfire survivors should remember that structural ash and debris contain asbestos, lead, arsenic, and other toxins, and that spreading debris around is hazardous and could disqualify the property from government-funded cleanup.
Mariposa County – Oak Fire
Oak Fire debris clean up is being managed by Mariposa County with technical advice and support from CalRecycle. For more information or to enroll in the debris removal program, visit www.mariposacounty.org or call (209) 247-7821
Placer and El Dorado Counties – Mosquito Fire
As the Mosquito Fire reaches containment please contact El Dorado County or Placer County for services and resources for survivors and evacuees.
For more information on 2022 recovery services visit WildfireRecovery.CA.gov.
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.
For more information contact: Office of Public Affairs, opa@calrecycle.ca.gov