When a party outside of CalRecycle staff/tire enforcement agencies (TEA) has a grievance with a hauler, facility, or site, he/she may send an E-mail to WasteTires@CalRecycle.ca.gov detailing the nature of the complaint. CalRecycle staff/TEAs use this to review and investigate violations of statutory regulations. The following procedures are used by waste tire management enforcement staff to process complaints.
Complaints
If a call is received regarding the submittal of a complaint, CalRecycle request that the complainant send an E-mail to WasteTires@CalRecycle.ca.gov that includes the following information:
- Name of the Person/Business the Complaint is Regarding
- Date/Time of Violation
- Location of Violation Observed
- License Plate Number & Vehicle Description
- Quantity of Tires
- A brief statement describing the nature of the complaint
A form or letter with all the pertinent information is acceptable. If the complainant is reluctant to submit a complaint or would like to remain anonymous, staff/TEAs may submit a complaint on their behalf.
Process Complaint
CalRecycle Hauler Section staff will:
- Enter the complaint information into the Waste Tire Management System (WTMS) database.
- Review complaint and send warning letters and/or refer to a CalRecycle inspector (if needed).
- Process the complaint based on complaint type (see table below)
This table shows the different complaint types and process steps for each.
| Complaint Type | Process Steps |
|---|---|
| Unregistered hauler on first or second offense |
|
| Unregistered hauler but hauler is registered | |
| Unregistered/registered hauler with three or more offenses. |
|
| Facility or site |
|
| Facility or site and an unregistered/registered hauler | Follow steps above for each type of complaint. Include a copy of warning letter sent to the unregistered/registered hauler with facility or site complaint. |
Investigate Complaint
CalRecycle inspector/TEA will investigate all complaints within 30 days of receipt of complaint. Depending on whether the complaint is founded or unfounded, the inspector will do one of the following:
Complaint Founded (action required)
- Issue notice of violation (NOV), send copies of the initial investigation letter/inspection report and NOV within 60 days from receipt of complaint, and forward to Hauler Section.
- Follow up within 30 days from compliance date. If in compliance, continue with “complaint unfounded” procedures. If not in compliance:
-
- TEA forwards documentation to appropriate CalRecycle inspector for that county after discussion with inspector.
- CalRecycle inspector will draft Cleanup and Abatement Order or other appropriate administrative action.
Complaint Unfounded (no action)
If complaint is unfounded or administrative action is complete:
- Type a memo referencing complaint number regarding reason for closure or complete and note closure in inspection report.
TEA will:
- Send copy of memo or copy of inspection report within 60 days from receipt of complaint to the CalRecycle inspector for that county.
Close Out Complaint
CalRecycle inspector will:
- Input closure status and comments into the WTMS database.
- Send copy of memo/copy of inspection report to Hauler Section staff.
Hauler Section staff will:
- Attach memo/copy of inspection report to original complaint form in file.
- File memo/inspection report in closed complaint file.
- Update the complainant on the action made by CalRecycle
CalRecycle Hauler Section Staff: Retain fiscal year for 1 year after closure (investigation or administrative action complete) and then transfer to departmental storage for an additional 3 years.
For more information contact: Tire Enforcement, WasteTires@calrecycle.ca.gov