A “self-hauler” is any person or entity that hauls solid waste they have generated to another party, or back-hauls solid waste to a location apart from where it was generated. Common types of self-haulers include landscapers who gather their trimmings and transport them to a green waste processing facility, and businesses that transport recyclable waste to a central location as part of a corporate recycling program.
The City of Laguna Woods has entered into a solid waste handling services agreement with CR&R Incorporated to assist businesses, homeowners’ associations, and others with complying with the State of California’s solid waste laws. Those who chose not to contract with CR&R Incorporated must comply with the self-hauler regulations set forth in Laguna Woods Municipal Code Chapter 4.10.08.
Summary of Regulations
- Self-haulers may only collect, transport, and dispose of solid waste that they generate. Self-hauling is intended to be undertaken for the convenience or preference of the self-hauler only, not as a commercial venture. Only the person or entity that generates the solid waste may self-haul.
- Please note that collecting, transporting, and disposing of hazardous waste or special wastes, as those terms are defined in state law, requires specific federal and state licensure.
- Self-haulers may only use their own employees to collect, transport, and dispose of solid waste. The use of independent contractors, any other entity, or any person not employed by the self-hauler is prohibited, regardless of whether those services are paid or provided free of charge.
- Self-haulers may only use their own containers to collect, transport, and dispose of solid waste. The use of any other person or entity’s containers is prohibited, regardless of whether containers are contracted for monetary consideration or provided free of charge.
- Self-haulers must remove solid waste from the location at which it was generated at least once per week. The City of Laguna Woods reserves the right to require solid waste to be removed more than once per week in the interest of public health, safety, or welfare.
- Self-haulers must comply with all applicable state and local laws regarding the containers used to collect, transport, and dispose of solid waste. The City of Laguna Woods requires that all containers conform to industry standards and be maintained in good repair and sealed, watertight condition. Graffiti must be removed no more than 24 hours after the self-hauler becomes aware of it.
- Self-haulers must comply with all applicable state and local laws including, but not limited to, requirements to divert recyclable materials from landfills. The disposal of all self-hauled solid waste at landfills, without first sorting and removing recyclable materials, is generally prohibited.
- Self-haulers that collect, transport, or dispose of organic waste shall maintain certain records and make the same available for inspection by the City of Laguna Woods. For more information on the recordkeeping requirements, please refer to Laguna Woods Municipal Code Section 4.10.08(b).
Failure to Comply
In the event of any failure to comply with its self-hauling regulations, the City of Laguna Woods may order self-hauling to cease. Non-compliance is also punishable as a civil or criminal matter with potential remedies including, but not limited to, fines and imprisonment.
