Wildlife Habitat

Waste Management of the Inland Empire is steadfastly committed to responsible environmental stewardship. Using the most cutting edge technology available in our industry, we operate our facilities in a manner that protects the environment and minimizes impact to local landscapes.

The El Sobrante Landfill and Recycling Center is committed to meeting the waste management needs of the Inland Empire by operating the landfill while at the same time protecting the environment. With a strong belief that our operations must respect and compliment the surrounding environment, we have placed over 600 acres surrounding El Sobrante Landfill in a permanent habitat preserve.

The protection of biological resources is important at El Sobrante landfill because two species that are listed as threatened or endangered are near the landfill. A Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for the landfill was prepared for these species through partnerships with the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) and with the help of Waste Management (WM) employees and local community organizations.

Through WHC certification and a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) approved by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Game, the El Sobrante Landfill manages more than 640 acres for the benefit of two federally listed endangered species and 29 other species. The landfill is located within a regionally significant area for both the Stephens kangaroo rat and the California gnatcatcher. Wildlife surveys conducted within the El Sobrante preserve have documented the existence of at least 20 nesting pairs of the California gnatcatcher.

WHC's Wildlife at Work Certification program focuses on wildlife management, and employee and community involvement. In addition to the El Sobrante Landfill, WM facilities have received seven other certifications from WHC.