Compliance and Enforcement

The California Integrated Waste Management Board's mandated responsibility is to reduce waste, promote the management of all materials to their highest and best use, and protect public health and safety and the environment. To meet these responsibilities, the Legislature has given the Board enforcement authority in the following programs:

Enforcement Authority Programs

Recycled-Content Newsprint: California's newsprint law mandates the use of a specified amount of recycled-content newsprint by printers and publishers located in California.

Recycled-Content Trash Bags: Manufacturers and wholesalers selling regulated trash bags in California must meet mandates for recycled content and be certified annually by the Board before State agencies and departments, pursuant to California Department of General Services policy, can purchase regulated trash bags under contract from these companies.

Solid Waste Facility Operation and Closure: The Board's regulation of solid waste facilities includes certifying local enforcement agency (LEA) programs; reviewing permitting and closure/postclosure documents; providing inspection and oversight of local programs to ensure that State programs are effectively implemented; enforcing State standards and permit conditions in addition to (or in lieu of) the LEA; and administering a remediation program for orphaned, illegal, and abandoned sites.

Used Oil Recycling: The Board's used oil recycling program helps protect California's environment and the health of its inhabitants by increasing the amount of used lubricating oil recycled by the public.

Waste Diversion Planning: The Board's programs are designed to increase public participation in all aspects of diverting waste from landfill disposal, including waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting, as well as promoting the safe disposal of waste that cannot be diverted. This includes technical assistance to the residential, commercial, and manufacturing sectors, directly and/or through local government programs.

Waste Tire Hauling and Storage: The Board is charged with responsibility for tire pile stabilization and remediation where public health and safety and the environment may be at risk. Consequently, the CIWMB adopted regulations to establish and enforce waste tire storage and handling standards.

Enforcement Resources

The websites below provide additional information on compliance and enforcement issues handled by CIWMB or Cal/EPA, as well as resources for LEAs.

Local Government Waste Diversion Enforcement: Provides information on CIWMB enforcement actions, guidelines, and management plans regarding compliance with the Integrated Waste Management Act, as well as reporting compliance and additional enforcement topics. This page also includes links to the Board's Enforcement Orders page, where you can find active enforcement actions displayed.

Local Enforcement Agency Site: This site provides resources such as contacts, databases, and information on CIWMB programs that may be useful to LEAs in carrying out their enforcement responsibilities related to solid waste facilities and storage and transportation of solid wastes.

Cal/EPA Enforcement Site: This site has information on who enforces California's environmental laws, as well as information on training opportunities and enforcement guidance documents.