What’s Happening?
At a City Council meeting last night, it was revealed that fire debris could begin arriving as early as next week. In response, the Calabasas City Council unanimously passed a motion opposing the disposal of fire debris at the landfill.
Why Is This a Concern?
1. No clear explanation of how hazardous materials will be sorted out.
2. Lack of transparency in the decision-making process.
3. No guarantees that toxic materials will be excluded.
4. No information on how much debris will be sent to the landfill.
5. No details on transportation routes.
6. No confirmation of no health or safety risks to the surrounding community.
With homes, parks, and schools nearby, the City of Calabasas firmly believes that toxic fire debris should not be brought to this landfill.
What’s Next?
• Allow fire debris from outside of the usual disposal area to be brought in.
• Increase the landfill’s disposal tonnage limits.
• Extend for six months, with the possibility of further extensions.
How You Can Take Action
âž¡ Submit a public comment (Item #29):
https://publiccomment.bos.
âž¡ Learn how to participate in the meeting:
https://bos.lacounty.gov/
Updates
The City of Calabasas is actively addressing concerns about fire debris being transported to the Calabasas Landfill, particularly following the recent LA fires. Here's a summary of the actions taken:
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City Council Actions: On February 12, 2025, the City Council opposed any fire debris being sent to the Calabasas Landfill and voted on multiple motions. These included opposing increases in tonnage, extended hours, and debris from outside areas, and pushing for an injunction against state and federal agencies. They also advocated for rigorous inspections and the establishment of a temporary advisory committee for fire debris issues.
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Legal Action: On February 17, the City Council authorized a legal petition against the Los Angeles County Sanitation District to prevent fire debris from being accepted until it is assured that the material is non-hazardous. This action was taken to protect the community from potential harm.
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EPA and Army Corps Involvement: The EPA is handling Phase 1 of the cleanup, focusing on hazardous materials, while the Army Corps of Engineers is managing Phase 2, which may include debris at Calabasas Landfill, with proper separation of hazardous materials.
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Landfill Operations: The Calabasas Landfill is one of 17 approved sites for fire debris, which must meet specific standards to avoid hazardous waste. It will be inspected more rigorously, with trucks transporting debris covered to prevent dust. The landfill's operating hours will be extended, and it may accept up to 5,000 tons of debris per day.
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Public Engagement: The City is organizing transportation for residents to attend a February 25 meeting of the LA County Board of Supervisors, where the issue will be discussed. Public comments and involvement are encouraged.
This effort aims to ensure safety and transparency in how fire debris is handled, while addressing community concerns about potential hazards.
