Recycling initiatives were at the forefront of legislation aimed at environmental reform in California in 2015. Some of these laws are slated to take effect in 2016 and affect a wide range of recycling issues including disposal of organics, improving the data collection process for recycling and enhancing the recycling infrastructure in the state. These measures, which are described below, are collectively designed to achieve the statewide objectives of combatting climate change in California.
Commercial Organics Recycling (AB 1826). As of April 1, 2016, businesses that produce at least 8 cubic yards of organic waste (including food waste, green waste, landscape waste and nonhazardous wood waste) per week are required to recycle that waste. The statute also mandates that local districts put into effect a recycling program for organic waste to segregate such waste generated by businesses and multifamily residential buildings of five or more units. The aggressive requirement for organic waste recycling recognizes that 30 percent of the 30 million tons of waste in California landfills could be recycled through composting and mulching. This includes organic waste, which contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions when deposited in landfills.
Compostable Organics Reporting (AB 876). AB 876 requires counties and regional agencies to submit reports to CalRecycle that address the capacity of recycling facilities to achieve 15 year goals for organics and request additional facilities to meet projections. The annual reporting requirements are intended to assist CalRecyckle in its efforts to successfully divert organic materials from landfills in the state.
Seventy-Five Percent Initiative (AB 341): This 2011 statewide initiative proposes an objective of 75 percent recycling, composting or source reduction of solid waste by 2020 in order to stem the use of landfills. The goal of this far-reaching bill is to successfully implement waste diversion and materials management policies for the long term economic prosperity and environmental health of the state.
CalRecycle Reporting Requirements (AB 901). CalRecycle is authorized to enforce the reporting regulations for the disposal of waste and maintain reporting procedures for facilities that handle all forms of waste removal. These procedures are intended to assist agencies in meeting the goals of the seventy-five percent initiative.
Contact Shane Coons at 949-333-0900 or visit his website at www.ShaneCoonsLaw.com to find out more about his practice.