The City of Torrance requires that all commercial and some residential construction, demolition, or remodeling projects recycle or reuse at least 65% of the materials that leave the project site, as well as 100% of excavated soil and land-clearing debris and any universal wastes.

Download the Waste Management Plan (WMP) Form & Instructions (PDF). The WMP form is also available at the permit counter.

  1. Submit the WMP form stating that at least 65% of the waste generated by the project will be recycled or reused and that 100% of excavated soil and land-clearing debris and any universal wastes will be recycled or reused.
  2. Keep all receipts and records of the disposal, recycling, donations, and reuse of the materials from your project.
    • Receipts must show material type, tonnage or weight, how the materials were treated, the facility used, and the address of the job site. Some facilities will provide reports summarizing the needed information for your project that are acceptable as well.
  3. Attach the receipts or reports listing the actual disposal and recycling that occurred and submit the WMP to Public Works for approval. This is required before your project can be scheduled for final inspection.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the WMP process will result in penalties of $5000 for construction projects and $10,000 for demolition projects, as per the Torrance Municipal Code.

Find more information on California’s green building requirements.

C&D Recycling Facilities

Each year, hundreds of thousands of tons of landfill waste is construction and demolition (C&D) debris. Much of this debris can easily be recycled, and many recyclers accept C&D materials at lower prices that landfills. Some facilities can only take clean, separated materials, while others can take mixed loads and process them for recycling. Utilize the lists below to find suitable facilities for your C&D debris:

Additionally, some construction and demolition materials can be donated to Habitat for Humanity. See what they take.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles ReStore
18600 Crenshaw Blvd | (310) 818-5222
Map & Directions

Haulers

When selecting haulers, ensure that they can recycle the materials and will provide you with receipts or reports. Please make sure they have a license to operate in Torrance. See a list of licensed haulers in Torrance.

Hazardous Waste & Universal Waste

Universal waste is hazardous waste that is widely used by households and different types of businesses, such as computers, batteries and mercury-containing equipment, among others.

If you have questions about the recycling program, please contact the Public Works Department at (310) 781-6900 or [email protected]. For other permit questions, please contact the Building and Safety Department at (310) 618-5910 or [email protected].