Solid Waste

This program protects public health and safety, and the environment by ensuring that solid waste is collected, stored, processed, and disposed of properly. The Environmental Health Division is the designated Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) for Orange County.  Solid waste facilities in Orange County are required to hold permits from the LEA. 

LEA Staff regulates the activities of municipal landfills, transfer stations, and composting facilities by 

• Issuing permits 
• Conducting inspections 
• Investigating complaints 
• Providing public education 
• Providing assistance to solid waste facilities. 

 

Public Notice Madison Materials Inc. Public Notice for Permit Modification Prima Deshecha Landfill Public Notice for Report of Facility Information (RFI) Amendment Bee Canyon Greenery Public Meeting Notice of Public Informational Meeting for Revision to Bee Canyon Greenery SWFP Accepted Application Package Bee Canyon Greenery Public Informational Meeting Slides Bee Canyon Greenery Revised SWFP FAQs Report of Composting Site Information (RCSI) Odor Impact Minimization Plan (OIMP) from RCSI Newport Avenue Station #1 Revised Final Draft PCLU Plan 7/27/2023 Valencia Greenery Public Meeting Valencia Greenery Public Meeting Presentation Valencia Greenery SWFP FAQs 2022 CEQA Documents for Valencia Greenery Notice of Public Informational Meeting for Valencia Greenery SWFP Rio Santiago Citizens Orange Decision and Order 6/30/23 - Rio Santiago Stipulated Notice and Order For Rio Santiago Facility CalRecycle Appeal Decision - Rio Santiago LEA Hearing Decision 11/4/20- Rio Santiago LEA Hearing 9/19/22-9/21/22 - Rio Santiago LEA Hearing Decision 10/12/22 - Rio Santiago

Permits

The Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) issues Solid Waste Facility Permits (SWFPs). The permits specify the terms and conditions for operating a solid waste facility. All permits are subject to review every five years. If the facility has undergone significant changes, the permit must be revised to reflect the current state of operations. Permits are required for solid waste landfills. Transfer Stations, composting facilities and other non-disposal facilities and operations may require a permit or an Enforcement Agency (EA) Notification. 

If you have any questions regarding Solid Waste Facility Permits, please contact us at (714) 433-6000. 

Inspections

Active solid waste facilities are inspected monthly, whereas closed solid waste facilities are inspected quarterly. Additional inspections are conducted under the following conditions: 

• Serious problems are noted during the routine inspection. 
• The facility operations require monitoring by LEA Staff. 
• Nuisance complaints are received from the public. 

Facilities with serious, repeated and/or uncorrected violations can be subject to enforcement orders. 

If you have any additional questions regarding the solid waste inspection program, please contact us at (714) 433-6000 

Complaints

If you have a complaint regarding a solid waste related issue, please contact the LEA Complaint Hotline at 714-433-6404 or submit an Online Complaint.

Complaints regarding odors from a solid waste facility should be directed to the South Coast Air Quality Management District at 1-800-CUT-SMOG or the Air Quality Management District.

Links

• California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) 
• South Coast Air Quality Management District
• State Water Resources Control Board
• Regional Water Quality Control Board - San Diego
• Regional Water Quality Control Board - Santa Ana
• OC Landfills
• Solid Waste Fee Schedule