BUREAU OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
TIERED PERMITTING PROGRAM
The Tiered Permit Program is a regulatory framework designed for industries and businesses that generate hazardous waste and treat it onsite to reduce the quantities of hazardous waste or hazards associated with the waste streams. Treatment is any process designed to change the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics or composition of hazardous waste. Depending on the treatment process and type and amount of hazardous waste treated the treatment activity may be allowed under one of the 3 treatment tiers: 
Conditionally Exempt (CE)
The goal of the Tiered Permit Program is to incentivize industries to adopt cleaner technologies and practices, while still allowing them to operate in an economically viable way. By requiring industries to properly manage and treat their waste, we can help to reduce the environmental impact of industrial activities.
This program also promotes transparency and accountability, with industries required to report on their environmental impact and compliance with permit requirements. Ultimately, the Tiered Permit Program is designed to balance economic growth with environmental protection, creating a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future.
SUBMITTALS
CERS is the California Electronic Reporting System used by businesses to submit required hazardous materials and waste information to regulatory agencies. All submittals must be made on the CERS.
For more information, visit: https://cers.calepa.ca.gov/
RESOURCES
The goal of the Tiered Permit Program is to incentivize industries to adopt cleaner technologies and practices, while still allowing them to operate in an economically viable way. By requiring industries to properly manage and treat their waste, we can help to reduce the environmental impact of industrial activities.
This program also promotes transparency and accountability, with industries required to report on their environmental impact and compliance with permit requirements. Ultimately, the Tiered Permit Program is designed to balance economic growth with environmental protection, creating a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future.
- Onsite Hazardous Waste Treatment Flowchart
- Tier Permit Guidance
- DTSC Hazardous Waste Tracking System
