California’s 2025 Hazardous Waste Management Plan Approved

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.