Tribal Relations
CalRecycle recognizes California Native American tribes as the original stewards of California, whose leadership and partnership can guide us toward a waste-free future.
CalRecycle is committed to strengthening working relations with California Native American tribes:
- Engaging and consulting with Tribes
- Enhancing cultural resource protections
- Reducing environmental burdens and
- Fostering trust and collaborative partnerships.
We are dedicated to strengthening relationships with tribal governments and communities and increasing participation in CalRecycle’s programs building a circular economy.
Program News and Events
- CalRecycle is hosting three hybrid events in partnership with Kauffman and Associates and Tribes throughout California to learn more about Tribal composting initiatives and to shape future CalRecycle programs.
Please email tribalaffairs@calrecycle.ca.gov for registration information.
Listening Sessions:
- April 17, 2025: Explore Composting and Zero Waste with Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians
- Location: Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, CA
- Virtual Option: email tribalaffairs@calrecycle.ca.gov for Zoom link
- May 2025, location TBD
- June 13, 2025: Explore Circular Food Systems with Chicken Ranch Rancheria Me-Wuk Indians of California
- Location: Chicken Ranch Casino in Jamestown, CA
- Virtual Option: email tribalaffairs@calrecycle.ca.gov for Zoom link
Past events
- On October 24, 2024, CalRecycle hosted a Think Tank session at the 2024 Tribal EPA & US EPA Region 9 Conference
- September 16, 2024: Zero Waste Plan Tribal Affairs Listening Session
Get Email Updates About Tribal Relations
CalRecycle Programs of Interest
CalRecycle coordinates with Tribes through a number of programs. For more information, contact tribalaffairs@calrecycle.ca.gov.
California’s Zero Waste Plan
California is building a comprehensive, circular plan to reduce and reuse all materials.
Equity and inclusion are priorities as we redesign systems for a waste-free California.
Plastic Pollution Prevention Law
To reduce plastic waste and pollution, the law requires 100% of all single-use plastic packaging in California be recyclable or compostable by 2032.
Producers must also:
- Reduce waste
- Fund recycling infrastructure
- Ensure their products get recycled.
Tribal Composting Needs Assessment and Permitting
CalRecycle is creating the Tribal Composting Needs Assessment and Permitting Guide to evaluate resources Tribes need to develop and operate composting facilities that:
- Divert materials from landfills and
- Fight climate change.
Grant Funding Opportunities
Tribal entities are eligible to apply for CalRecycle grants related to community composting, unsold food recovery, recycling, reuse, and more.
CalRecycle Resources:
- How to Properly Manage Common Wastes
- Household Hazardous Waste
- Disaster Debris Removal
- Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEP)
- Funding opportunities
- Tribal Coordination for Disaster Debris Recovery
- Learn How Trees and Parks Reduce Heat and Pollution
CalEPA Resources for tribes:
Federal Resources for Tribes:
Steps to becoming a Certified Recycling Center
CalRecycle Tribal Liaison
Katrina Leni-Konig
Deputy Director, Office of Environmental Justice, Tribal Relations, Education, and Outreach
Phone: (916) 812-4427
Email: tribalaffairs@calrecycle.ca.gov
