CC - Item 6C - Diversion Rate for Waste Disposal E N
po ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
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STAFF REPORT
PORATE05a
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BILL R. MANIS, CITY MANAGER-r2_ • \
DATE: JUNE 14, 2016
SUBJECT: DIVERSION RATE FOR WASTE DISPOSAL
SUMMARY
At several occasions during the Council Comment Sessions, questions were raised as
what were the City's solid waste diversion rates that indicate the City's effort in waste
reduction and recycling. This staff report is intended to provide an in-depth analysis to
aid the understanding for "diversion rate" and its goal and updates on the latest
regulatory requirements as the law is constantly evolving.
Staff Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council receive and file for future reference.
DISCUSSION
The Legislature and Governor Brown set an ambitious goal of 75 percent recycling,
composting or source reduction of solid waste by 2020 calling for the state and the
Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) to take a statewide
approach to decreasing California's reliance on landfills. This represents the next
evolutionary phase of waste management in California: an approach that makes current
landfill diversion programs equal partners with materials management program to
achieve the highest and best use of all materials in California.
Originally, jurisdictions were required by law to achieve 50% diversion for the year
2000. CalRecycle developed the diversion rate calculator to assist jurisdictions with the
diversion rate equation. Starting 2007, under the new disposal measurement system
established by SB 1016, jurisdictions' diversion rates will no longer be calculated by the
CalRecycle to determine compliance with AB 939 which was passed in 1989
establishing California Integrated Waste Management Act and granting authority to the
Board to set waste reduction, recycling, and reuse goals along with permitting and
enforcement powers at the state level. This new, statewide goal is different from earlier
local government diversion mandates. The statewide goal is a recycling goal, not a
diversion goal.
Under the new reporting system, the countywide target for waste geneR js 7�1
City Council Meeting
June 23,2015
Page 2 of 2
pounds per capita which indirectly translates into the equivalence of 50 percent
diversion rate. Working closely with Los Angeles Regional Agency (LARA) and waste
hauler and contractors, the City of Rosemead, for the last reporting period (2014),
achieved a 4.8 pounds per capita waste generation meaning the City as a LARA
member city achieved a 22 percent additional diversion for a total of 72% derived
diversion- a 44% betterment than the Year 2000 50% target. This was largely due to
public education and cooperation with our partners such as LARA and Republic
Services.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
No impact.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
No impact.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process.
Prepared By: Submitted By
( /Jonathan Wu Curtis Cannon
Public Works Manager Interim Assistant City Manager