Title
Environmental Management Department recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 047-2019 authorizing the development and implementation of a business recognition program to formally recognize businesses within the County that have implemented recycling, reuse, or reduction of waste practices that meet or exceed established criteria and contribute to the countywide goal of 75% diversion of solid waste from landfilling.
FUNDING: Non-General Fund / County Service Area No. 10 - Solid Waste Funds.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On September 15, 1992, the Board approved the formation of the El Dorado Solid Waste Advisory Committee (EDSWAC), which was established, in part, to monitor and evaluate the planning and effectiveness of programs implemented to meet Assembly Bill 939, the Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989, and the solid waste objectives set forth and defined in the County’s Integrated Waste Management Plan.
On October 5, 2011, the Governor of California signed Assembly Bill 341, known as California’s Mandatory Commercial Recycling (MCR) Law, and set a statewide goal of 75% of all solid waste be diverted from landfills through source reduction, recycling, or composting by year 2020, and requires that all businesses that generate 4 cubic yards or more of commercial solid waste per week to reuse or recycle, in an effort to increase diversion of waste from landfills and thereby reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
On January 31, 2012, (Item 11, File No. 12-0139), the Board approved the County’s Solid Waste Management Plan, which included a countywide goal of 75% diversion from landfills, and authorized the County’s Environmental Management Department (Environmental Management) to implement the strategies identified therein.
On September 28, 2014, the Governor of California signed Assembly Bill 1826, known as Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling (MORe), establishing implementation phases over time for the program, including, but not limited to the following: required businesses to recycle their organic waste based on the amount and type of waste the business generates on a weekly basis; and on and after January 1, 2016, directed that local jurisdictions across the State implement organic waste recycling programs to divert organic waste generated by businesses, including multifamily residential dwellings that consist of 5 or more units; and as updated on January 2, 2017, required businesses that generate 4 cubic yards or more of organic waste per week to arrange for organic waste recycling services; and with full implementation or organic waste recycling services by January 1, 2019 for businesses that generate 4 cubic yards or more of commercial solid waste.
As part of its responsibilities, including monitoring and evaluating the planning and effectiveness of solid waste program implementations, EDSWAC is recommending the development and implementation of a business recognition program for businesses within the County that have implemented recycling, reuse, or reduction of waste practices that significantly help contribute to the statewide and countywide goal of 75% diversion of solid waste from landfilling. Specifically, and in coordination with Environmental Management, EDSWAC is seeking to recognize businesses throughout the county who have implemented recycling/reuse practices with a decal to post at their business to demonstrate their participation in this recognition program. Photos submitted with applications may also be used by Environmental Management to publicly recognize and promote the program. Any businesses wishing to participate will be asked to submit an application identifying their waste reduction/recycling practices to Environmental Management. Environmental Management will then forward the application to the respective jurisdiction’s franchised waste hauler for review and recommendation to EDSWAC. EDSWAC, at its bi-monthly meetings, will then determine final recommendations and work with Environmental Management to present the decal to businesses. A sample application (Attachment C) is provided for reference; however, Environmental Management may need to update the application based on evolving state requirements and market conditions accordingly.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board may choose to not approve the proposed Resolution. This would result in Environmental Management being unable to implement EDSWAC’s desired recognition program for businesses helping contribute towards the state mandated diversion rates.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
See Discussion/Background above.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel has reviewed the proposed Resolution.
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change in Net County Costs associated with this item. The minimal costs associated with this recognition program, such as staff time and production of the decals, will be funded through County Service Area No. 10 funds.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) The Clerk of the Board will obtain the Chair’s signature on the original Resolution.
2) The Clerk of the Board will forward a copy of the fully-executed Resolution to Environmental Management for further processing.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Healthy Communities
CONTACT
Greg Stanton, REHS, Director
Environmental Management Department