Managing Hazardous Waste

We protect the environment and communities by ensuring compliance with hazardous waste laws

Scrap Metal Recycling Regulatory Oversight

On this web page, you will find a list of federal, state and local regulatory agencies that may regulate your scrap metal recycling business. This list is not exhaustive – if you have questions regarding local requirements for the operations and activities being conducted on your yard, or the materials that you are processing, please contact your local Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) or DTSC’s Regulatory Assistance Office for additional information.

Federal Regulatory Oversight

There are a few federal agencies that have jurisdiction over the activities conducted at scrap metal recycling facilities.

U.S. EPA

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates and provides safety oversight of commercial motor vehicles.

State Regulatory Oversight

State agencies and boards have jurisdiction over various activities at scrap metal recycling facilities. 

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC)

The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) manages parts of the Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003 and the covered electronic waste (CEW) recovery and recycling program.

The California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) is responsible for protecting California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and other beneficial uses. They also regulate storm water management at industrial sites, including scrap metal recyclers.

The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) is responsible for developing and enforcing regulations related to the health and safety of California’s workers.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) licenses individuals conducting automobile dismantling business activities in the state.

The Permit Assistance Unit of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) offers comprehensive local and statewide permit and regulatory compliance assistance to all businesses in California.

Local Oversight

Local enforcement agencies may have additional permitting or reporting requirements for scrap recycling facilities based on more stringent local environmental and public health protections.

Certified Unified Program Agencies (CUPAs) are local government agencies that carry out CalEPA’s Unified Program by consolidating administration, permits, inspections, and enforcement activities of local, state, and federal environmental and emergency management programs.

*Disclaimer
This web page is intended to be guidance only and it does not supersede or implement laws or regulations. The information in this advisory is intended solely as guidance and as educational reference material and should not be considered enforceable or regulatory in nature. Reference in this web site to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the State of California, or its employees or agents.

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