Source Reduction and Recycling Element Adequacy

Article 6.1 specifies requirements for the SWGS which establishes baseline waste disposal and diversion tonnages from which achievement of the 25 and 50 percent waste diversion mandates will be measured. The waste characterization information required by the Article is used by jurisdictions to identify materials which could be diverted and to select programs which target those materials.

Article 6.2 specifies the means by which each jurisdiction is required to prepare and implement a SRRE. The objective of this Article is to summarize the percentage of solid waste diversion which a jurisdiction plans to attain through each component program of the SRRE (i.e., Source Reduction, Recycling, Composting, and Special Wastes components); and to indicate the time frame required to achieve each objective.

Article 7.0 outlines the procedures for circulating, reviewing, and submitting a preliminary and final draft SRRE and HHWE. This Article also addresses CalRecycle’s SRRE and HHWE approval process, the annual report and biennial SRRE and HHWE review procedures. The annual report, prepared by the local jurisdiction, summarizes the progress achieved in meeting the waste reduction mandates. It also serves as a basis for determining whether a revision of an element is needed. The biennial review is a CalRecycle-conducted independent review of an element, assessing each jurisdiction’s progress toward meeting the waste reduction mandates.

Source Reduction and Recycling Element Content Adequacy

An adequate SRRE contains the following regulatory required components:

• Solid Waste Generation Study
• Source Reduction
• Recycling
• Composting
• Special Waste
• Disposal Facility Capacity
• Funding
• Public Information and Education
• Integration

Adequacy of Solid Waste Generation Study (SWGS)

1. Base Year Waste Generation Measurement. Waste generation shall include (1) diversion data from source reduction, recycling and composting activities, and (2) disposal data from permitted transformation and landfill facilities used by a jurisdiction.
2. Representative Sampling and Seasonal Variation. The SWGS shall be representative, reflect seasonal variations and be as accurate as possible. Baseyear data would be representative if (1) the sampled wastes were typical examples of waste generated by a jurisdiction’s residential, commercial and industrial sectors, and (2) the annual waste stream was characterized by measuring the amount of the annual tons of waste types disposed and diverted by each sector. The sampling shall measure any seasonal variation in waste generated throughout the year. Seasonal variation may include changes in waste generated due to seasons, tourist activities, and large public events. Jurisdictions may use data from a comparable jurisdiction to demonstrate this seasonal variation rather than performing their own waste characterization.
3. Sampling Methods. Four methods may be used, as defined in Article 6.1 of the CCR. The method selected shall characterize the jurisdiction’s waste stream. The discussion of the selected method shall indicate whether the sampling was representative of the jurisdiction.
4. Accuracy of Data, Calculations, and In-Place Volume. The SWGS data and calculations are required to be as accurate as possible. Calculations may include converting the volume amount of waste diverted and/or disposed to weight, when only volumetric data is available.
5. Comparable Data. Jurisdictions may use comparable data to characterize their waste stream. If comparable data are used, then a description must be included on how the jurisdictions were comparable. The description shall include a discussion comparing waste generation factors such as population size, residential, commercial and industrial sector percentages, the economic base and demographics of the two jurisdictions.
6. Normally Disposed Of. The SWGS shall demonstrate that each specific waste type claimed for diversion was normally disposed in a permitted disposal facility used by the jurisdiction. The disposal amount of a waste type claimed for diversion shall be at least .001 percent of the jurisdiction’s total disposed waste stream.
7. Base Year Diversion Claims. These claims shall be substantiated in the SWGS with an explanation of data sources and an explanation of how the amounts were determined. The claim shall also be based on an accurate account of the diversion programs and facilities used by the jurisdiction.
8. Base Year Diversion Claims for Specific Waste Types. Base year diversion claims for agricultural wastes, inert solids, scrap metals and white goods are allowed under three specific conditions. Documentation is required to show (1) a specific local action resulted in the diversion; (2) the historical disposal amounts for each restricted waste type claimed as diverted are not less than the claimed diversion amounts; and (3) the diversion programs selected are, or will be, implemented by the local jurisdiction. Documentation shall be specific to the specific waste type claimed for base year diversion. Jurisdictions shall submit documentation related to their base year diversion of specific waste types for staff to evaluate and determine whether the three criteria have been met.

SRRE Component List

Adequacy of Source Reduction Component

1. Evaluation of Alternatives. The component contains an evaluation of source reduction diversion program alternatives considered for possible local implementation. These alternatives can include rate structure modifications, economic incentives, technical, instructional and promotional assistance, and local regulatory programs. Specificity of the alternatives discussed is up to the discretion of the local jurisdiction. However, the evaluation criteria selected by the local jurisdiction shall be identified and defined. If the criteria have been ranked for the selection of a diversion alternative, then a definition must be included that describes the ranking methodology.
2. Program Selection. The component contains an identification and description of the source reduction programs selected for implementation. Decisions on which programs were selected shall be up to the discretion of the local jurisdiction. The selection process and decision shall be based on criteria established by the local jurisdiction. That criteria shall be included in the text of the component.

SRRE Component List

Adequacy of Recycling Component

1. Evaluation of Alternatives. The component contains an evaluation of recycling diversion program alternatives considered for possible local implementation. These alternatives include methods for separating recyclable materials from the waste stream such as curbside and mobile collection systems, drop off and buy-back recycling centers, material recovery operations, salvage at solid waste facilities, changes in zoning and building codes to encourage recycling, changes in rate structures, changes to procurement programs to give purchase preferences and changes in solid waste handling methods to preserve the integrity of recovered materials. Specificity of the alternatives discussed is up to the discretion of the local jurisdiction. However, the evaluation criteria selected by the local jurisdiction shall be identified and defined. If the criteria have been ranked for the selection of a diversion alternative, then a definition must be included that describes the ranking methodology.
2. Program Selection. The component contains an identification and description of the recycling diversion programs selected for implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Decisions on which programs were selected shall be up to the discretion of the local jurisdiction. The selection process and decision shall be based on criteria established by the local jurisdiction. That criteria shall be included in the text of the component.
3. Market Development. The component contains a discussion of the local market development activities that have, and/or will, occur within the local jurisdiction or region that stimulate the use of postconsumer waste materials as raw materials for feedstock by private business, industry, and commerce. Discussion includes active participation in areas such as: procurement measures, applying for designation as a market development zone; encouraging economic, regulatory (i.e., relaxing or suspending locally originated or modified building codes, zoning laws and general plans) or tax incentives (i.e., elimination or reduction of construction taxes or business license taxes); making land use decisions to encourage the development of commercial, industrial, or manufacturing purposes; and other incentives such as providing for the expansion of infrastructure and for providing for increased amounts of recyclable feedstock. If a market development zone has been created or is anticipated in the future within the region or local jurisdiction, then the component contains that discussion as well.

SRRE Component List

Adequacy of Composting Component

1. Evaluation of Alternatives. The component contains an evaluation of composting diversion program alternatives considered for possible local implementation. These alternatives include composting programs which take materials source separated from the municipal solid waste stream or separated at a centralized waste processing facility. Specificity of the alternatives discussed is up to the discretion of the local jurisdiction. However, the evaluation criteria selected by the local jurisdiction shall be identified and defined.
2. Program Selection. The component contains an identification and description of the composting diversion programs selected for implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Decisions on which programs were selected shall be up to the discretion of the local jurisdiction. The selection process and decision shall be based on criteria established by the local jurisdiction. That criteria shall be included in the text of the component.
3. Market Development. The component contains a discussion of the local market development activities that have, and/or will occur within the local jurisdiction or region that stimulate the use of postconsumer waste materials generated as raw materials used as feedstock by private business, industry, and commerce. Discussion may include active participation in areas such as: applying for designation as a market development zone; encouraging economic, regulatory (i.e., relaxing or suspending locally originated or modified building codes, zoning laws and general plans); making land use decisions to encourage the development of commercial purposes; and other incentives such as providing for the expansion of infrastructure and for providing for increased amounts of recyclable feedstock. If a market development zone has been created or one is anticipated in the future within the region or local jurisdiction, then the component contains that discussion as well.

SRRE Component List

Adequacy of Special Waste Component

The component addresses the local jurisdiction’s existing special waste program and includes a plan to reduce the hazard potential of special wastes by waste type found in the data generated in the Solid Waste Generation Study. Specific special waste categories are addressed in the component including sludge (sewage and industrial), ash, asbestos, auto shredder waste, auto bodies, and other special wastes.

1. Evaluation of Alternatives. The component contains an evaluation of identified special wastes identified in the SWGS for which there is no permitted handling or disposal method within the jurisdiction.
2. Program Selection. The component contains an identification and description of the special waste programs selected for implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Decisions on which programs were selected shall be up to the discretion of the local jurisdiction. The selection process and decision shall be based on criteria established by the local jurisdiction.

SRRE Component List

Adequacy of Disposal Facility Capacity Component

1. Combined Permitted Disposal Capacity. The component identifies and describes all existing permitted landfills and transformation facilities within the jurisdiction. It also contains the combined permitted disposal capacity for each permitted disposal facility within the jurisdiction. A disposal facility needs projection estimating the additional disposal capacity, in cubic yards per year, is also included. The projection must be calculated using the equation provided in CCR section 18744. This calculation projects the need for capacity needed to handle the generation of solid waste within the jurisdiction for a 15-year period.
2. Agreements for Importation/Exportation. The component contains a description of the solid waste generated in the jurisdiction that is imported and/or exported to disposal facilities through interjurisdictional agreements, or memorandums of understanding, with other cities, counties, or states. A copy of the agreement or memorandum of understanding is included in the component. This requirement is only needed if a jurisdiction is claiming disposal capacity in another jurisdiction.

SRRE Component List

Funding Component

The component describes the cost estimates for the source reduction, recycling, composting, special waste and public information and education programs scheduled for planning, development, and implementation in the SRRE. It also identifies revenue sources to support those programs. Sources of contingency funding are addressed in this component. Contingency funding can be identified by a list of possible revenue sources, such as tipping fees.

SRRE Component List

Adequacy of Public Education and Information Component

1. Target Audience. The component contains a description of the solid waste generators or sources that will be targeted in education and public information perograms. Targeted generators or sources can include residential, commercial, industrial, or other sources, based on the data compiled in the SWGS conducted for the individual jurisdiction. In addition to the identification of targeted generators or sources, these groups may be categorized in the component by subgroups, such as hospitals, retail and wholesale trade, stores, business offices, military installations, single family and multi-family dwellings, factories, refineries, etc.
2. Program Selection. The component contains an identification and description of the public education and information programs selected for implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Decisions on which programs were selected shall be up to the discretion of the local jurisdiction. The selection process and decision shall be based on criteria established by the local jurisdiction. The criteria shall be included in the text of the component.

SRRE Component List

Adequacy of Integration Component

1. Prioritization of Selected Programs. The component contains an explanation of how the selected source reduction, recycling, composting, and special waste programs combine to met the 25 percent and 50 percent mandates. The explanation describes the solid waste management practices which fulfill the legislative mandates of promoting waste management in the hierarchy outlined in PRC section 40051.
2. Master Implementation Schedule. The component contains a master schedule that indicates all implementation tasks for new and expanded solid waste diversion programs. The schedule contains a title for each task, task start date and milestone date, entity implementing the task, and schedule for funding source availability.
3. Achievement of Mandates. The component contains an explanation of how each of the programs selected jointly achieve the 25 percent and 50 percent diversion mandates. The explanation includes a discussion of how the local jurisdiction determined the priorities between the components.
4. Contingency Measures and Milestones. The component contains a description of contingency diversion programs that may be implemented by the local jurisdiction. The contingency programs are based on the local jurisdiction’s determination after results are obtained from the selected and implemented diversion programs in each component or if an event in local, state or national conditions changes. The contingency diversion programs must also be included in the master implementation schedule, indicating triggered events, tasks and milestones.

SRRE Component List

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For more information contact: Local Assistance & Market Development, LAMD@calrecycle.ca.gov