The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is tackling its most extensive wildfire hazardous waste cleanup ever, working alongside local governments and residents to restore communities devastated by catastrophic fires in Los Angeles County.
In the process, massive amounts of hazardous waste are expected to be collected, from scorched building materials to contaminated soil. If your business was affected by the fires, it’s crucial to assess any lingering dangers on your property and plan for safe handling and disposal.
Largest Wildfire Hazardous Waste Cleanup In History
As of the beginning of February, the EPA has completed reconnaissance at more than 6,000 properties, including
those impacted by the Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire. The agency has successfully removed 80 electric vehicles and bulk energy storage systems, which can pose a threat to the public and environment, according to the agency.
The agency is currently assembling 60 teams to clear hazardous materials from the more than 13,000 residential and 250 commercial fire-impacted properties.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has also tasked the EPA with the first stage of the overall recovery and cleanup. This includes the removal of lithium-ion batteries as well as the survey, removal and disposal of hazardous materials from properties burned by wildfires.
EPA’s work removing hazardous materials is Phase 1 of the federal cleanup response. This work ensures the safety of residents and the workers who will — after the hazardous material is gone — conduct the Phase 2 debris removal in the burn footprints, and to prevent these materials from being released into the environment, according to the EPA. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will conduct Phase 2 once Phase 1 has been completed.
Hazardous Items Being Removed
EPA will remove potentially dangerous everyday products including products including the following:
- Paints
- Cleaning supplies
- Automotive oils
- Garden products such as herbicides and pesticides
- Batteries, including both standard and rechargeable types
- Propane tanks and other pressurized gas containers
- Lithium-ion batteries
Workers will also remove visible asbestos and inspect pressurized fuel cylinders (like propane tanks). After a fire, these products require special handling, especially if their containers are damaged, according to the EPA.
How Your Business May Be Impacted
The public can find more information about EPA’s hazardous material removal operations at EPA’s 2025 California Wildfires website. If your business has been affected by the wildfires, it is important to reach out to the agency to ensure any hazardous materials on your site are properly identified and removed.
Delayed action could pose serious health risks and environmental hazards, making it critical to coordinate with officials as soon as possible.
Beyond immediate cleanup efforts, businesses that store and use hazardous materials should consider developing a plan for future emergencies. Wildfires, floods and other disasters can quickly turn everyday substances into dangerous contaminants. Having an emergency response plan in place can help mitigate risks and ensure a faster recovery should disaster strike.
An emergency preparedness plan could include:
- A list of hazardous materials stored on-site
- Contact information for local, state and federal agencies, such as the EPA and FEMA
- Procedures for securing hazardous materials in the event of an emergency
- Employee training on emergency response and hazardous material safety
Working with a licensed hazardous waste disposal company can be a vital resource in the event of an emergency. Should your business experience a hazardous material spill or other contamination issues, these professionals can provide prompt cleanup services to minimize risks to public health and the environment. Establishing a relationship with a disposal company ahead of time can save valuable time when quick action is required.
As the EPA continues its unprecedented cleanup efforts, businesses should take this opportunity to evaluate their own preparedness. By proactively planning and engaging with the right agencies and professionals, businesses can better protect their employees, customers and communities from the dangers of hazardous waste during and after a disaster.
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