Apply for oversight from the Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) Program

The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) Solid Waste Program is certified by the California Department of Resources, Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) as the Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) for the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County including all cities except the City of San Jose, which serves as its own LEA. 

The LEA regulates solid waste facilities to ensure compliance with state minimum standards. 

Inspectors with the Solid Waste Program

• permit and inspect landfills, transfer stations, composting facilities, and refuse collection vehicles and yards; 
• monitor disposal facilities to exclude hazardous wastes, medical wastes or liquid wastes; 
• provide information to the public and industry regarding the proper disposal of solid wastes (including asbestos); 
• investigate complaints and mitigate problems associated with illegal dumping, disposal, or storage of solid wastes.