Cleanup and debris removal
2025 Los Angeles Fires

Cleanup and debris removal after wildfires is a 2-phase process. You can have it done at no cost to you.

Phase 1 Hazardous waste cleanup
Phase 2 Debris removal

We will explain these phases. When they are complete, your property is ready for rebuilding.

Phase 1

Hazardous waste cleanup

In Phase 1, the U.S. EPA cleaned up everyday products that were in your home and could be dangerous.

These include:

  • Batteries
  • Cleaners and solvents
  • Fertilizers and pesticides
  • Paints and oils
  • Propane tanks and other pressurized products

Phase 1 cleanup is now complete. It was automatic for all residential properties.

There was no cost to you for this cleanup.

Cleanup statuses explained

After the EPA assessed your property, they gave it a status.

They posted that status in a sign on your property.

You can also check this EPA map for the cleanup status of your property.

Phase 1 Complete

This status means the EPA has finished their cleanup work.

But your property may not be safe yet. There can still be:

  • Hazardous waste that's buried
  • Health hazards like ash and asbestos
OR

Deferred to Phase 2

This status means the EPA can't safely clean your property until debris has been removed.

It will be cleaned in Phase 2.

See Phase 1 progress.

Phase 2

Debris removal

In Phase 2, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) removes structural debris.

This includes:

  • Damaged foundations
  • Destroyed vehicles
  • Trees that are a hazard
  • Contaminated soil
  • Asbestos
  • Ash

Read what to expect in Phase 2.

See the progress of this work in USACE’s debris removal map.

About removing trees

During debris removal, the USACE will remove trees that are hazardous. But you can request that a tree not be removed.

How to get debris removed

To get debris removed, you must choose to:

Opt in for free removal OR Opt out to arrange and pay for removal yourself

There are no out-of-pocket costs for this service. If you have insurance, your insurer will be billed.

Debris removal can't start on your property until Phase 1 is completed or deferred.

Opt in by the deadline

To get free debris removal, you must opt in by April 15, 2025.

Opt in for free removal

To complete the opt-in form, you'll need:

  • Contact info and signatures of all owners of the property
  • Assessor's information number, or AIN
  • Homeowners insurance information (if you're insured)
  • Vehicle information for any destroyed vehicles on the property

Opt out at your own expense

If you opt out of free debris removal, you'll arrange for and pay for this service yourself.

This process is complicated and expensive. You must:

  • Hire a licensed, specialized contractor
  • Get approval and a permit from LA County
  • Hire a certified consultant to check your property for asbestos
  • Make sure your contractor follows all government rules for safe debris removal

How to opt out

If you choose to opt out, submit an opt-out form to LA County right away.

It's important to submit this form so that the county can start free debris removal for your neighbors.

You will need:

  • Name and license number of your contractor
  • Description of the debris you need to remove
  • Assessor's information number, or AIN

If you need help

Questions about Phase 1 cleanup

Call the EPA at 833-798-7372 (TTY: 711)

Help filling out the opt-in form

More info about cleanup and debris removal

LA County Recovers

Where debris goes

Workers will dispose of debris in a way that protects public health and the environment.

Find out more at CalEPA’s Wildfire Debris in Landfills.