The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has a new proposal that threatens the health and well-being of our community: reclassifying hazardous waste—like contaminated soil and industrial byproducts—as non-hazardous, so it can be dumped in local landfills like Sunshine Canyon instead of being safely managed elsewhere. We’re calling on our community to oppose this reckless plan and demand better for our neighborhoods.
Sunshine Canyon Landfill already bears an unfair burden, taking in 40% of Los Angeles waste—over 9,000 tons daily [LA County Planning, 2022]. Residents in Sylmar and Granada Hills suffer the consequences: 17,146 odor complaints since 2015, 378 notices of violation, and documented health impacts like worsening asthma, nausea, and headaches. Now, the DTSC wants to make things worse by allowing more hazardous materials, such as lead-contaminated soil and industrial byproducts with toxic chemicals like hexavalent chromium, to be reclassified and dumped right in our backyard. Their reasoning? It’s cheaper for industry and cuts emissions from trucking waste out-of-state. But at what cost to our community?
The DTSC claims modern landfills can handle this waste safely, but Sunshine Canyon’s track record tells a different story. Just last month, on March 20, 2025, the South Coast AQMD issued an Order for Abatement due to persistent odors, with 4,000+ complaints since 2023 alone [AQMD]. If the landfill can’t manage current waste without harming our air and health, how can we trust it with more toxic materials? Environmental groups like California Communities Against Toxics warn that reclassified waste could leach into groundwater or become airborne dust, putting our families at even greater risk.
This proposal isn’t just a health concern—it’s an environmental justice issue. Why should the North San Fernando Valley, already overburdened, suffer more? The DTSC’s focus on industry cost savings ignores the real cost: our community’s well-being. We deserve better.
How You Can Take Action Now:
Write to your state officials using our sample letter to demand stricter waste regulations (due May 12th).
Give public comment live by attend the May 15th DTSC Hazardous Waste Management Plan Hearing.
Share this post to raise awareness—let’s protect our community together!