Dec 30 - Organics Recycling in Focus for 2016

CalRecycle, the state agency charged with running and/or overseeing the state's recycling and waste management programs, highlights the bills that passed this year, or about to go into effect next year, all of which CAW has helped sponsored, crafted or supported. 

  • AB 1826 (Chesbro) of 2014--Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling. Beginning April 2016, businesses that generate at least 8 cubic yards of organic waste (food scraps, yard clippings) per week must arrange for the recycling of that waste. The law phases in the requirements on more businesses over time. Beginning January 1, 2016, local jurisdictions will begin implementing organic waste recycling programs to divert organic waste generated by businesses.
  • AB 199 (Eggman) of 2015--Sales Tax Exemption. Provides tax exemptions for businesses purchasing recycling and composting equipment. It also expands eligibility for this tax exemption to equipments that uses recycled feedstock to make new products.
  • AB 876 (McCarty) of 2015- Compostable Organics Infrastructure. Requires local counties and regional agencies to include in annual reports to CalRecycle the estimated amount of organic waste over a 15-year period, estimated additional infrastructure required, and locations for new/expanded infrastructure.
  • AB 901 (Gordon) of 2015 -Direct Reporting Requirements. Provides CalRecycle with enforcement authority for existing disposal reporting requirements and updates reporting requirements for recycling, composting, and solid waste disposal facilities. This will help CalRecycle accurately measure progress toward the 75% goal.
  • AB 1045 (Irwin) of 2015- Organic Waste Composting Promotion. Requires the California Environmental Protection Agency, CalRecycle, the State Water Resources Control Board, the State Air Resources Control Board, and the Department of Food and Agriculture to develop and implement policies that keep organic waste out of landfills and promote composting and alternative uses for that material.

In a recent press release, CalRecycle Director Scott Smithline said "These new laws encourage innovation and strengthen California’s role as the nationwide leader in sustainable living, We’re excited to work alongside local jurisdictions to support the siting of new recycling-related infrastructure in California. Not only will this effort create new jobs, but it will reduce the amount of readily recyclable materials and organic waste that get sent to landfills and turn these valuable materials into new products, compost, fertilizers, and biofuels instead."

  

Lanh Nguyen