Mandatory Commercial Recycling
Updated Information
Mandatory Commercial Recycling
Background
Information from CalRecycle's Mandatory Commercial Recycling webpage:
Assembly Bill 341 (Chesbro, AB 341) was signed on October 6, 2011. With the passage of AB 341, California is one of the first states in the nation to enact a statewide program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diverting commercial solid waste from landfills.
According to a 2008 Statewide Waste Characterization, the commercial sector generates more than half of the solid waste disposed of in California (approx. 68% of disposed waste), with much of the waste being recyclable materials. Wtih AB 341, eligible businesses are required to recycle, thus resulting in an expansion in commercial recycling activities and recycling manufacturing.
Prior to the passage of AB 341, CalRecycle and the Air Resources Board were engaged in a joint rulemaking process to implement a Mandatory Commercial Recycling Measure within AB 32 (CA Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006) to increase commercial waste diversion (recycling/reuse/composting) as a method to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Purpose:
1) To reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diverting commercial solid waste to recycling efforts, and
2) To expand the opportunity for additional recycling services and recycling manufacturing facilities in California.Who's Affected?
Are you a LOCAL JURISDICTION?:
On or after July 1, 1012, each jurisdiction shall implement an education, outreach and monitoring program. Efforts may be phased in over time.
Are you a BUSINESS or MULTI-FAMILY Dwelling?:
On and after July 1, 2012 the following will need to implement a recycling program
1) a business or public entity location that generates more than four cubic yards of commercial solid waste per week, or
2) a multifamily dwelling of five units, no matter the amount of waste disposed of per week.
How Do I Know How Much 4 Cubic Yards of Trash Is?
If you need assistance in finding if your business or public entity location will need to implement recycling services based on the "four or more cubic yards of trash" threshold, contact your solid waste hauler HERE or see the following: examples:
Different examples of what adds up to 4 Cubic Yards (cuyd) of trash =
One1-cuyd bin serviced four times a week
One 2-cuyd bin serviced twice a week
One 4-cuyd bin serviced once a week
Two 1-cuyd bins serviced twice a week
Tip for City of Merced customers: the first number on your dumpster is the size of the bin. [Example: #-1234: the first number (#) would be the size of the bin]
Sizes of trash bins may be found on your service statements. If not, please contact your solid waste hauler HERE.
For more information, please visit http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/climate/Recycling/default.htm.
Local Workshops/Outreach
In the Fall of 2011, workshops were held throughout the county region to inform commercial businesses what this measure means to them, and how they can plan for it before it is implemented in 2012.
In early 2012, the Merced County Regional Waste Management Authority will be informing businesses and multifamily dwellings of AB 341.
If you would like a presentation at your local Chamber of Commerce or place of business, please contact our Public Programs Specialist at (209) 723-3153 ext. 315 or mercedrecycles@mcagov.org.
If you would like an on-site waste assessment, please contact your waste hauler HERE.
Links to Resources
The California Air Resources Board (ARB)
Latest update (July 15, 2011) to the commercial recycling regulation.The California Department of Recycling Resources and Recovery (CAlRecycle)
Main website for the Mandatory Commercial Recycling measure.The Institute for Local Governments
Outreach and educational resources for businesses and property owners.
Recycling services available within Merced County:
Contact your franchised hauler to see which services are available in your area
Community Recycling Centers
A list of CRV buyback centers and recycling drop off locations.Commercial Recycling Guide
A list of companies and locations that recycle cardboard, metal, paper and other materials.Other commercial/industrial recycling information is available under our Ag and Business section
