Construction Material Recycling

The City of Torrance requires that all demolition projects and construction or remodeling projects valued at $100,000 or more recycle or reuse at least 65% of the materials that leave the project site and 100% of excavated soil and land-clearing debris and any universal wastes. This matches the State's green building code requirements.
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 and submit the WMP form stating that at least 65% of the waste generated by the project will be recycled or reused and that 100% of excavated soil and land-clearing debris and any universal wastes 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. Some facilities will provide reports summarizing the needed information for your project that are acceptable as well.

Step 3 - Complete the WMP by attaching the receipts or reports listing the actual disposal and recycling that occurred and submit the WMP to Public Works for approval. This is required before your project can be scheduled for 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

Construction and demolition (C & D) 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.

• List of facilities that recycle mixed materials and will guarantee recycling rates of 60% or more
• Other facilities that can recycle specific C & D materials
• State-wide listing of C & D recycling facilities
• Options on donations or reuse of materials

C & D Haulers

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

Universal Wastes

Universal Wastes are hazardous wastes that are widely used by households and different types of businesses, such as computers, batteries, and mercury-containing equipment among others.

• Information on the State's green building requirements

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, or contact Building and Safety.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Acrobat Reader Windows Media Player Word Viewer Excel Viewer PowerPoint Viewer