California Hazardous Waste Management Plan Approved

CA DTSC Newsroom

Published November 17th, 2025

Detected February 27th, 2026

Summary

The California Board of Environmental Safety has approved the Department of Toxic Substances Control's 2025 Hazardous Waste Management Plan. The plan aims to modernize hazardous waste systems, reduce hazardous waste generation by 40%, and divert waste from landfills through recycling and other circular economy techniques.

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What changed

The California Board of Environmental Safety has approved the Department of Toxic Substances Control's (DTSC) 2025 Hazardous Waste Management Plan. This plan serves as a comprehensive guide to modernize the state's hazardous waste management systems, with a stated goal of reducing hazardous waste generation and diverting additional waste from landfills through recycling and circular economy initiatives. While the plan does not change existing laws or regulations, it sets three ambitious goals focused on waste reduction, scientifically sound identification and management standards, and sustainable, health-protective management from 'cradle to grave'.

This approval signifies a strategic direction for California's hazardous waste management, emphasizing continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving waste streams and technologies. Regulated entities, including manufacturers and importers, should be aware of the plan's goals, which aim to promote safer and more sustainable practices. The DTSC will continue to work with communities, Tribal Nations, local governments, and industry to implement these objectives over the next three years, aligning with the plan's triennial review cycle.

What to do next

Review the goals and recommendations of the 2025 Hazardous Waste Management Plan.
Assess current hazardous waste generation and diversion practices against the plan's objectives.
Incorporate principles of waste reduction and circular economy into operational planning.

Source document (simplified)

Newsroom

We tell DTSC’s story to keep the public informed

California’s 2025 Hazardous Waste Management Plan Approved

DATE: NOVEMBER 17, 2025

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The Board of Environmental Safety voted today to approve the Department of Toxic Substances Control’s 2025 Hazardous Waste Management Plan, bringing California a step closer to modernizing the state’s complex hazardous waste management systems.

CONTACT:
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SACRAMENTO – The Board of Environmental Safety today voted to approve California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control’s (DTSC) 2025 Hazardous Waste Management Plan.

The plan is a comprehensive planning guide to protect California communities from environmental harm through continuous improvement of the state’s complex hazardous waste management systems.

“This plan was shaped by public feedback and guidance from the Board of Environmental Safety. The plan identifies opportunities to strengthen hazardous waste management in California while emphasizing community protection, scientific integrity and sustainability.”

DTSC Director Katherine Butler

While California’s hazardous waste has fallen about 40 percent over the years, today’s report anticipates potential future increases—or changes in types of hazardous waste—and recommends exploring options to manage these waste streams. The Plan includes goals to reduce hazardous waste generation in the first place and divert additional waste from landfilling through recycling and other techniques that promote a circular economy.

Modernization of California’s complex hazardous waste management systems

The plan sets three ambitious goals with practical recommendations, but it does not change laws or regulations.

The goals are rooted in the findings from DTSC’s 2023 Hazardous Waste Management Report, robust public engagement and feedback, as well as current scientific data and best practices.

Goal 1: Reduce hazardous waste generation and divert hazardous waste away from incineration or landfilling.

Goal 2: Ensure hazardous waste identification and management standards are scientifically sound, health protective, and environmentally safe.

Goal 3: Use data and resources to promote sustainable and health protective management from cradle to grave.

Future Work

DTSC remains committed to working with communities, Tribal Nations, local governments, and industry and businesses, to ensure hazardous waste is managed safely and responsibly for generations to come.

The department drafts an updated plan every three years to allow for continuous adaptation to changes in societal waste streams, innovations in science and technology, and resources.

More information about the plan is available here: Hazardous Waste Management Plan | Department of Toxic Substances Control.

FOR GENERAL INQUIRIES: Contact the Department of Toxic Substances Control to report illegal handling, discharge, or disposal of hazardous waste, or other environmental concerns using the CalEPA Environmental Complaint System.

DTSC’s Mission is to protect California’s people, communities, and environment from toxic substances, to enhance economic vitality by restoring contaminated land, and to compel manufacturers to make safer consumer products.