Landfills and Other Solid Waste Facilities

Solid Waste Disposal Tonnage Summary Data

In 1990, Californians generated approximately 50.9 million tons of waste, or about 1 ton per second, and disposed of approximately 40.1 million tons. As of 2009, Californian's disposed an estimated 4.5 pounds/person/day, resulting in disposal of approximately 31 million tons per year. Diversion has increased over six-fold since the Integrated Waste Management Act was passed in 1989.

On a quarterly basis, each operator of a California disposal facility that is required to have a permit must pay the integrated waste management (IWM) fee for each ton of nonhazardous solid waste landfilled at their facility. The statistical information on annual waste disposed presented here is derived from disposal tonnages reported and the fees paid by landfill operators.

California's Landfilled Solid Waste: 1990 to 2009

The chart below shows the trend in solid waste going to landfills through the end of 2009. The decline in waste disposal in 2006 coincides with the decline in housing starts in California. From 2006 to 2009, the economic downturn in California has contributed significantly to the on-going decline in waste disposal rates. See more detailed information about disposal and diversion rates.

Taxable Solid Waste Disposed (in thousands of tons)

The amount of solid waste going to landfills is listed by calendar years.

Solid Waste Disposal: Landfill Tonnage Reports

Disposal information is obtained from tonnages filed by disposal facility (landfill) operators for the purpose of Integrated Waste Management (IWM) Fee assessment.