Solid Waste Disposal GROWTH Slows; GRADUAL 10-YEAR INCREASE IN Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) DISPOSAL PARTICIPATION
Reducing solid waste production and diverting recyclables and green waste extends the life of landfills, decreases the need for costly alternatives, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. California requires all jurisdictions to annually divert at least 50% of solid waste from disposal facilities (Assembly Bill 939). In addition, by 2025, the State has a target for 75% less organic waste to be sent to landfills and 20% of unsold, still-edible food to be sent to food recovery organizations (Senate Bill 1383). The collection of household hazardous waste (HHW) – such as oil, paint, electronics, thermostats, batteries, and fluorescent tubes – helps protect the environment and public health by reducing illegal and improper HHW disposal. This indicator measures the tons of commercial and residential solid waste generated in San Bernardino County destined for disposal in-county and out-of-county. It also measures the pounds of HHW collected and the number of annual participants in the HHW program.
TREND
Solid Waste
After substantial growth in solid waste disposal in 2020, waste generated in San Bernardino County and disposed both in and out of the county began to flatten, growing 4% in 2021, 0% in 2022, and 1% in 2023. In 2023, county residents and businesses disposed of 2.36 million tons of waste, just surpassing the 25-year high in 2005. Over the past 10 years, waste generation and disposal has increased by 55%, while San Bernardino County’s population grew an estimated 4%. While population growth can have some impact on disposal trends, economic factors and waste diversion programs are the primary drivers behind the amount of waste disposed.
SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL TREND FLATTENS, RISING 1% BETWEEN 2022 AND 2023
Solid Waste Generated for Disposal Compared to Population in San Bernardino County, 2014-2023
Household Hazardous Waste
HHW participation and pounds collected fluctuate each year, but on average, since 2014/15, there has been 2% annual growth in the number of participants and 1% annual growth in pounds collected. The average amount each participating household contributed in 2023/24 was 52 pounds. This was less than the past 10-year average of 60 pounds per participant. Nine percent (9%) of San Bernardino County service area households participated in HHW disposal 2023/24.
GRADUAL INCREASE IN HOUSEHOLDS’ PARTICIPATION IN HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL
Household Hazardous Waste Program Participation and Pounds of Waste Collected in San Bernardino County, 2015-2024
GEOGRAPHIC COMPARISON
In 2023, San Bernardino County residents and businesses produced slightly more waste than California overall (1.1 tons per person in San Bernardino County compared to 1.0 tons per person in California).[1] In terms of HHW, San Bernardino County’s per capita HHW collection rate in 2023/24 (1.4 pounds per person) was half of California’s rate (2.8 pounds per person).[2]
Supporting the HHW Collection Needs of Rural and Mountain Communities
In 2024, the San Bernardino County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program held HHW collection events in rural and mountain communities with limited access to permanent HHW sites. One example was a well-attended collection event held in Wrightwood, where staff partnered with local organizations to promote the event, provide educational materials, and safely collect hazardous waste from 231 households. These efforts not only diverted hazardous wastes from landfills and illegal dumping but also strengthened community awareness, supporting the Countywide Vision of equitable environmental protection.
[1] California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), Recycling and Disposal Reporting (www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/RecyclingDisposalReporting/Reports); California Department of Finance, Report E-2 (July population estimates)
[2] Based on 2023/24 data from CalRecycle, Household Hazardous Waste Form 303 Collection Information, as provided by San Bernardino County Fire Department and retrieved from CalRecycle.com; California Department of Finance, Report E-5 (January population estimates)