City of Torrance - Requirements for Recycling Construction Materials

REQUIREMENTS FOR RECYCLING OF CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION MATERIALS:

The City of Torrance requires that all demolition projects and construction or remodeling projects valued at $100,000 or more must recycle or reuse at least 50% of the materials that leave the project site and 100% of excavated soil and land-clearing debris. A Waste Management Plan (WMP) form is part of the permit process for projects that meet these criteria. The WMP form is available at the permit counter or a downloadable form is available here:

Waste Management Plan Form

Step 1 - when applying for the permit, you must complete the WMP form stating that at least 50% of the waste generated by the project will be recycled or reused and that 100% of excavated soil and land-clearing debris will be recycled or reused.

Step 2 - collect and keep all receipts and records of the disposal, recycling, donations, and reuse of the materials from your project. Receipts must show material type, tonnage or weight, how the materials were treated, the facility used, and the address of the jobsite.

Step 3 - complete the WMP by attaching the receipts listing the actual disposal and recycling that occurred and submitting the WMP to Public Works for approval. This is required before your project can get its final inspection.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the WMP process will result in penalties of $5000 for construction projects and $10,000 for demolition projects, as per the Torrance Municipal Code.

C & D RECYCLING FACILITIES:

Each year, hundreds of thousands of tons of landfilled waste is construction and demolition (C & D) debris. Much of this debris can easily be recycled, and many recyclers accept C & D materials at lower prices that landfills. Some facilities can only take clean, separated materials, while others can take mixed loads and process them for recycling.

For a list of facilities that recycle mixed materials and will guarentee recycling rates of 60% or more, click here.

For other facilities that can recycling specific C & D materials, click here.

For a state-wide listing of C & D recycling facilities, click here.

For options on donations or reuse of materials, click here.

If you are using a waste hauler to remove your materials, make sure they can recycle the materials for you and will provide you with receipts. There are many waste haulers that can assist you. Please make sure they have a license to operate in Torrance. Click here for a list of licensed haulers in Torrance.

For information on green building requirements, click here to go to "Build It Green."

If you have questions about the recycling program, please contact the Public Works Department at (310) 781-6900. For other permit questions, please contact the Building and Safety Department at (310) 618-5910. Contact Public Works through e-mail by clicking here, or contact Building and Safety by clicking here.

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