Hazardous Waste Generator

The Hazardous Waste Generator Program ensures the safe and legal handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste by: 

• Inspecting businesses in the Contra Costa County that generate hazardous waste 

• Issuing permits and inspecting businesses in Contra Costa County that perform certain treatments of hazardous waste. Under California's five-tiered system, the County has jurisdiction over the lower three tiers

  • Conditionally Exempt

  • Conditionally Authorized

  • Permit-By-Rule 

Annual Reporting for Hazardous Waste Generators  

Regulated businesses are required to review and submit information regarding their hazardous waste generation (HWG) to the state annually. State Law requires your business to report this information electronically using the California Environmental Reporting System (CERS).  

HWG Reporting Form 

 Instructions for Using CERS   

Determining if Your Business Generates Hazardous Waste  

Hazardous waste is a waste with properties that make it potentially dangerous or harmful to human health or the environment. Hazardous wastes can be liquids, solids or contained gases. Used oil in California is also a hazardous waste.  

A hazardous waste is a waste that appears on RCRA hazardous waste lists (F-list, K-list, U-list or P-list) or that exhibits one of the four characteristics of a hazardous waste (ignitability corrosivity, reactivity or toxicity).  

Definitions of Hazardous Waste (DTSC)

Regulatory Authority

• California Health and Safety Code, Division 20, Chapter 6.5, Section 25100 et seq. 

•  California Code of Regulations Title 22, Division 4.5, Chapter 10, Section 66001 et seq. 

Funding

• Annual Operating Permit Fees 

• Hourly Rate and Service Fees 

• Fines and Penalties 

Resources 

• Obtaining or Updating a Permanent State ID Number

• Defining Hazardous Waste in California

•  Information regarding Hazardous Waste Manifests.

  •  Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) database. All hazardous waste shipped on a uniform manifest.