California and Federal law requires each waste generator (business) to properly classify their waste. This can be done by applying professional knowledge to the waste and to the processes generating the waste, or by testing according to the methods contained in Title 22 California Code of Regulations, Chapter 11 "Identification and Listing of Hazardous Waste”.
Failure to properly classify waste can lead to illegal disposal of hazardous waste into the solid waste stream which is punishable by severe monetary fines and clean-up costs, and may include incarceration depending on the severity of the crime. You may contact the following for assistance:
If you are unsure if your waste is hazardous waste or not, do not send it to the landfill. Some waste streams that the Department landfills conditionally accept include, but are not limited to: demolition & renovation waste, food wastes, manure, grit and screenings from waste water treatment facilities, tires, treated medical waste, low level hydrocarbon contaminated soil, dead animal carcasses, ash, gypsum board, and treated wood waste. Acceptance policies and handling procedures for these and many other types of conditionally acceptable wastes are found in the Department’s Waste Guide.
All customers using Riverside County landfills can expect their loads to be randomly inspected to ensure hazardous materials are not disposed in Riverside County landfills.
The photos above show emergency response due to illegal disposal of hazardous waste at the landfill. These types of incidents are turned over to District Attorney’s Office of Environmental Crimes.