San Francisco Tightens Regulations on C&D Waste

San Francisco plans to tighten regulations on the disposal of construction and demolition debris to reduce the more than 100,000 tons that end up in the landfill annually.

In October 2020, Supervisor Ahsha Safai introduced legislation to require those who transport construction and demolition debris for disposal to obtain city permits in an effort to ensure the waste is recycled at city-registered facilities — not illegally dumped. Construction and demolition debris comprises about half of all the solid waste generated in San Francisco and about 25 percent, 150,000 tons, that ends up in the landfill annually, according to the Department of the Environment. The Board of Supervisors is expected to pass the law before the end of the year.