Hazardous Waste Generators and Facilities
What is hazardous waste?
Waste created by different commercial or industrial activity contains chemicals that may be dangerous or harmful to health. Only certain regulated facilities are allowed to treat, store or dispose of this type of waste. These facilities are not the same as cleanup sites. Hazardous waste includes a range of different types of waste. It can include used automotive oil as well as highly toxic waste materials produced by factories and businesses. Studies have found that hazardous waste facilities are often located near poorer neighborhoods and communities of color.
Why is this indicator included in CalEnviroScreen?
- Hazardous waste is transported from businesses that generate waste to permitted facilities for recycling, treatment, storage or disposal.
- Contamination of air, water and soil near waste generators and facilities can harm the environment as well as people.
How are hazardous waste generators and facilities measured in CalEnviroScreen?
- The Department of Toxic Substances Control maintains information on where hazardous waste is generated and the facilities that handle it.
- The indicator adds up the number of permitted hazardous waste facilities and hazardous waste generators in each census tract.
- Only large generators and generators of RCRA waste were included.
- The score is based also based on how close it is to neighborhoods where people live.
- A complete description of the Hazardous Waste Generators and Facilities indicator can be found in the CalEnviroScreen 3.0 report.
Where can I find more information about hazardous waste generators and facilities?
- Department of Toxic Substances Control: Hazardous Waste
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Hazardous Waste