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Report Debris,  Runoff, and More to CalRecycle

 

CalRecycle enforces California's solid waste laws under the Public Resources Code (PRC) and Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR). It can impose administrative civil penalties for violations that include:

Common Violations Eligible for Fines:

These violations can lead to:

  • Fines of up to $5,000 per day per violation (PRC §45023.5)

  • Suspension, revocation, or modification of operating permits

 

While some of these violations will be difficult to detect, there are things like odors, dust, and trash blowing that we can report on a daily basis. While we've all experienced the noxious smell, often times, the north side of Balboa is littered with trash that has blown out of the landfill, and it's not uncommon to get excessive dust blowing through the neighborhood as a result of landfill activities.​ Every complaint matters!

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Step-by-Step: How to File a Complaint with CalRecycle

 

Option 1: Submit Directly to CalRecycle’s Enforcement Branch

 

CalRecycle doesn’t have a public complaint form, but you can submit concerns via email or mail to their Enforcement Program.

​

Send your complaint to:

 

Include the following:

  • Name of the facility: Sunshine Canyon Landfill

  • Address: 14747 San Fernando Road, Sylmar, CA 91342

  • Your name and contact info (optional but helpful)

  • Description of the problem (odors, runoff, trash on street, etc.)

  • Dates/times of the incident(s)

  • Attach photos, videos, or documentation if you have any

 

Option 2: Report to the Local Enforcement Agency (LEA)

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Because LEAs are CalRecycle’s first line of enforcement, you should also notify Sunshine Canyon’s LEA:

  • Agency: LA County Department of Public Health – Solid Waste Program

  • Phone: (626) 430-5540

  • Email: scllea@ph.lacounty.gov

  • Online Form: LEA Complaint Form

 

Tips for Strong Complaints

  • Be specific and fact-based: “On April 9th, 3:45 p.m., I witnessed trash debris along San Fernando Road outside the landfill boundary…”

  • Include how it affects you: health symptoms, odors, property damage, traffic issues

  • Include photos or short video clips

  • Report every time it happens—more complaints = more pressure

 

Sample Public Letter:
 

Below is a sample letter that acts as a formal complaint and a request for CalRecycle to escalate enforcement and impose fines.

 

How to use this email template:

  1. Copy the email address at the top (in orange).

  2. Copy the subject line and paste it into your email.

  3. Copy the email body and paste it into your email.

  4. Personalize all highlighting items (in orange) with your own account of the violations.

  5. Attached any supporting documentation (example: photos, video, witness accounts)

  6. Hit Send.​

To: leacomplaints@calrecycle.ca.gov and scllea@ph.lacounty.gov

Subject: Complaint: Suspected Solid Waste Violations at Sunshine Canyon Landfill, Sylmar CA

Dear CalRecycle Enforcement Division and Local Enforcement Agency,

​

I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding ongoing issues at Sunshine Canyon Landfill located at:

14747 San Fernando Road
Sylmar, CA 91342

​

As a [resident/worker/community member] in the surrounding area, I have observed what appear to be violations of California’s solid waste management regulations.

​

Date and Time of Incident(s):
[Insert specific dates and times – e.g., April 9, 2025 at approximately 3:45 p.m.]

 

Description of Violations Observed:
[Choose and modify as needed]

  • Trash and debris scattered outside the landfill boundary, including along [insert street name or area]

  • Strong, persistent odors impacting nearby homes and schools

  • Possible runoff or leachate entering street-level storm drains during rain events

  • [Any additional problems: noise, vermin, dust, unsafe truck traffic, etc.]

 

These issues have affected [me/my family/my neighborhood] by [describe the health, quality of life, or environmental impacts — e.g., "causing headaches, nausea, and limiting outdoor activities"].

​

I respectfully request that CalRecycle and the LEA:

  1. Conduct a prompt investigation of the conditions at the facility

  2. Determine whether the operator is in violation of Title 14 CCR regulations or the site's Solid Waste Facility Permit

  3. Impose appropriate enforcement actions and civil penalties if violations are confirmed

  4. Inform the public of the outcome of the investigation​

 

Please confirm receipt of this complaint and advise on next steps or any additional information needed.

 

Sincerely,

 

[Your Name]
[Address / ZIP Code]
[Email or Phone (optional)]

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