CalRecycle-Managed Remediation

The Solid Waste Disposal and Codisposal Site Cleanup Program (Program) is authorized to expend funds directly for site investigation, design, and cleanup activities. These “CalRecycle-managed” remediations can be for sites with “unwilling” responsible parties when properly authorized by law or where “willing” responsible parties do not have the necessary resources or expertise and are “unable” to implement the cleanup in a timely manner and voluntarily agree to have the Program perform the remediation. The Program has used environmental and engineering contractors for CalRecycle-managed site remediations throughout California since 1994.

Cost Recovery/Reimbursement of Funds

Public Resources Code Section 48023 directs the program to seek reimbursement for monies expended under the Program to the extent possible. Expended funds may be recoverable from property owners and other responsible parties in a civil action and/or by imposing a lien upon the property that is subject to the remedial action.

Under the Program cost recovery policy, it may be decided not to pursue cost recovery based on factors including, but not limited to:

  1. Publicly owned sites maintained for public benefit and use
  2. The owner did not cause the disposal of waste
  3. The owner will not gain a benefit due to condition of property
  4. The value of property is significantly less than cost of cleanup
  5. Hardship to the property owner and/or
  6. No identifiable responsible party

Site Access/Cooperative Agreements

Site access/cooperative agreements with willing site owners are established prior to the start of approved CalRecycle-managed projects. Such agreements authorize the Program to conduct the necessary remediation activities and may include a description of the roles and responsibilities of all the parties and specific cost sharing or cost recovery provisions.

Information Contact

Requests for either assistance or site cleanup are considered on a case-by-case basis. For more information, please contact Steve Santa Croce.

For more information contact: Solid Waste Facilities, PermitTrainingAssistance@calrecycle.ca.gov