Solid Waste Disposal Tonnage Summary Data

In 1990, Californians generated approximately 50.9 million tons of waste, or about 1 ton per second, and disposed of approximately 42.4 million tons. As of 2003, California diverts more than 47 percent of its waste, resulting in disposal of approximately 35 million tons per year. Diversion has increased seven-fold since the Integrated Waste Management Act was passed in 1989.

This site provides statistical information on solid waste management in California, including tipping fees and landfill disposal tonnage.

The chart below shows the trend in solid waste going to landfills through the end of 2003. Although total disposal is on the rise, this information is not calculated per capita. See more detailed information about disposal and diversion rates.

California's Landfilled Solid Waste: 1990 to 2003

Solid Waste Disposal: Landfill Tonnage Reports

Disposal information is obtained from returns filed with the California State Board of Equalization by disposal facility (landfill) operators.

This table breaks the amount of solid waste going to landfills down by calendar years.

Taxable Solid Waste Disposed
(in thousands of tons)

1990:	40,108	1991:	36,506	1992:	36,058	1993:	34,602	1994:	34,391
1995:	33,607	1996:	32,879	1997:	33,694	1998:	35,555	1999:	35,508
2000:	36,954	2001:	38,128	2002:	37,829	2003:	40,276

Last updated: January 24, 2008

Landfills and Other Solid Waste Facilities http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Landfills/
Public Affairs Office: opa@ciwmb.ca.gov (916) 341-6300