Since 2002, Clean Harbors has been proud to do business in Buttonwillow, and we remain committed to being a responsible and valued part of the community. The Buttonwillow landfill has operated safely since 1981, and we are determined to maintain this record through rigorous standards of safety, efficiency and compliance with all local, state and federal regulations.
Our dedicated team of highly trained professionals uses advanced treatment methods to reduce the toxicity of waste materials, ensuring they are safe for disposal in the landfill. This work not only protects the environment but also contributes to the long-term health of our community.
As a leading employer in Buttonwillow, Clean Harbors provides stable, well-paying jobs that support local families and contribute to the area’s economic vitality. We take pride in our role as a key contributor to the prosperity and well-being of Buttonwillow.
Community engagement is always a top priority for Clean Harbors. We have invested over $5.5 million in the Buttonwillow area, supporting ongoing activities that directly benefit residents and contribute to the community's growth and well-being.
Contact Us
For questions, comments or to be added to our community mailing list: please email us at BWComments@cleanharbors.com
Spring/Summer 2025 – Recent News
- The team recently supported the Dueling Pianos Mayors race celebration and it was a great night for the community to come together.
- We welcomed a new Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (EJAC).
- We continue to work collaboratively with the BES and DTSC as we continue the process to renew our permit.
- We are preparing for the annual Camp Keep scholarship program. Kern Environmental Education Program, known as Camp Keep. Camp KEEP is a residential outdoor science program located on the Central Coast of California. Guided by the Next Generation Science Standards, naturalists bring science to life using hands-on experiential activities.
- Lab chemist Daniel House, who is based in Buttonwillow, California, has been spending the past few months learning how to do just that. House has been toke part in the Kern Leaders Academy. The academy is an exclusive program that handpicks community leaders each year to partake in an extensive education and training series.
- On September 24, 2024, the Kern County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Clean Harbors Conditional Use Permit and Environmental Impact Report for the Buttonwillow Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Waste facility. This approval provides a path for Clean Harbors Buttonwillow to renew their permit with the State of California, specifically the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) which will ultimately allow us to complete desirable upgrades and improvements to the site. This is the next step towards sustainable growth for Buttonwillow and the surrounding community. Read more about the approval here.
Buttonwillow Operations
The Buttonwillow facility is fully permitted by various regulatory agencies in the State of California to receive, store, treat and landfill a variety of hazardous and non-hazardous waste streams. The treatment methods utilized at this facility reduce the toxicity of waste materials and make it suitable for disposal. A full list of our permits are provided below:
- Hazardous Waste Facility Permit (DTSC) CAD980675276
- Waste Discharge Requirements (RWQCB) Order #96-094
- Conditional Use Permit No. 4, Map 97 Resolution 2014-3976
- Permit to Operate See Table 2
- Waste Discharge Requirements (RWQCB) Special Order #96-094
- General Industrial Stormwater Discharge Permit WDID 5F15I017429 (Order 97-03-DWQ)
- Domestic Water System No. 03-19-02P-010
- Quarantine Compliance Agreement/Soil Permit No. P330-20-00062
- Permit to Operate Pressure Vessel See Table 3
- Seller’s Permit SR ARH 100-097269
- Certificate of Registration No. WVS-6-044
- Weighmaster License No. 010306
- Solid Waste Facility Registration Permit 15-AA-0257
FAQs
Where is the Clean Harbors Buttonwillow facility?
Located in the center of the state, Clean Harbors’ Buttonwillow landfill serves markets in Northern and Southern California. The facility is 320 acres, eight miles west of the town of Buttonwillow, CA.
Do the trucks traveling to the Clean Harbors facility drive through downtown Buttonwillow?
No. There is a designated route around the Buttonwillow community which routes truck traffic around the city. You can view the route here.
Is Clean Harbors required to conduct any type of monitoring on the landfill premises and in adjacent areas?
Yes. Clean Harbors conducts ground-water monitoring and air monitoring at the landfill and the facility. All aquifers are monitored on a biannual basis, and the air-monitoring system is run by a third party every 12 days.
Does Clean Harbors Buttonwillow pollute the air?
No. Clean Harbors Buttonwillow is not polluting the air. We have air monitoring in place and follow strict guidelines. We hold a permit to operate by the San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District, which publishes air quality findings on their website.
What is an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and why did Clean Harbors Buttonwillow receive one?
The Kern County Planning and Natural Resources Department Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is a comprehensive document required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). It assesses the potential environmental effects of proposed projects, including residential developments, infrastructure projects or industrial facilities within the state of California. The EIR identifies and evaluates potential impacts on areas such as air quality, water resources, wildlife habitats and cultural resources. Additionally, it suggests measures to mitigate adverse effects and promotes informed decision-making by governmental agencies and the public. In Buttonwillow, we are subject to weekly compliance inspections and have strong governance by the Kern County Planning and Natural Resources Department, DTSC and the CalEPA.
Safety is Our No. 1 Commitment and Our Passion.
Strong history of Safety and Compliance in Buttonwillow
At Clean Harbors, safety is our passion and our top priority for employees, customers, families, the community and the environment. Our Safety Starts with Me: Live It 3-6-5 safety philosophy is an integral part of our company culture.
Community Engagement

Over the past 20 years, Clean Harbors has invested over $5.5 million dollars directly into the Buttonwillow community, supporting a range of local initiatives and services that make a meaningful difference in residents' lives. Our commitment to Buttonwillow goes beyond financial contributions; we are actively engaged with community leaders, participate in local events, host “Community Connection” events and facility tours and support programs focused on education, environmental stewardship and community.
Through partnerships with The Buttonwillow Foundation, local schools, organizations and municipal leaders, Clean Harbors Buttonwillow is continually exploring new ways to enhance our positive impact.
We aim to be an accessible, responsive neighbor by being open to feedback and eager to support efforts that improve our shared community. We strive to strengthen our connections with residents, expand our community contributions and work together to create a safe, thriving and sustainable Buttonwillow.
Sustainability
Clean Harbors recognizes that sustainability stewardship is core to our business and an important part of our responsibility in protecting generations to come through balancing economic success with environmental, social and governance considerations. Our core business is to provide industry, government and the public a wide range of sustainable solutions that protect and restore North America's natural environment. Our sustainability program expands our commitment beyond our services and products to include our operations, employees and community.

Meet the Buttonwillow General Manager - Marianna Buoni

Marianna Buoni is the General Manager at Clean Harbors Buttonwillow. Marianna has worked at the facility for 38 years and is a native of Kern County, from a small farming community south of Buttowillow, Old River. She was educated locally graduating from Lakeside Elementary School and Bakersfield High School and went on to get her first Bachelors in Biological Sciences from the University of Southern. She obtained her second Bachelors in Chemistry from California State University, Bakersfield and then an Masters in Business Administration from California State University Bakersfield.
Marianna started her career as Chemist for a small Class II-1 landfill in Kern County and was recruited by the original owners of the Buttonwillow Facility. She began her career at Buttonwillow as a lab chemist and then in Waste Acceptance , moving to Operations Manager and finally to General Manager.
Marianna is passionate about the work she does leading the Buttonwillow team and enjoys being active in the community. The Buttonwillow community actually cares about others and provides mechanisms for the senior population, families in need, the children in the area and general well being of the community.
Reach me at the facility by calling (661) 762-6200 with questions or comments.