This page answers frequently asked questions as they pertain to the provisions of Public Resources Code 42648, et al. (AB 2176, Montanez, Chapter 879, Statutes of 2004) regarding waste reduction at large venues and large events.
PRC 42648 requires that all large venues and large events prepare a waste reduction plan. What does this mean?
The law requires large venue and large event operators to meet with recyclers and solid waste handlers to select appropriate waste diversion programs. In determining feasible programs, operators may select a target diversion rate and develop a plan and timeline to meet that goal. What is appropriate will vary with each venue and event.
However, within 30 days upon request of a local agency, large venues and events must provide written documentation of the progress of the waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and diversion programs in their plan, or an explanation of their delay, as well as the type and weight of materials diverted and disposed. Venue and event operators should take these requirements into consideration and plan ahead to make reporting easier.
How should venue and event operators measure the waste diversion rate?
Some traditional choices used by businesses for measuring their waste diversion rate are:
- Tons of materials diverted annually, divided by total waste generated annually (disposed plus diversion).
- Reduction in total waste disposal compared to the previous year.
- Reduction in disposal or generation relative to a chosen base year.
Because of variations in annual business activity, some firms normalize their waste reduction data to make rates easier to compare from year to year. Some choices are:
- Waste per individual (attendees plus employees and volunteers).
- Waste per dollar of sales (adjusted for inflation).
- Waste per square foot of activity or sales space.
Note: Public Resources Code 42648, et al. (AB 2176, Montanez, Chapter 879, Statutes of 2004) does not require CalRecycle to regulate or enforce its provisions, but rather to obtain information for future recommendations. Calrecycle will not be adopting regulations and local agencies need to make reasonable determinations based upon the provisions of the statue; CalRecycle will not be formally evaluating or auditing individual local agency determinations. However, as always, CalRecycle staff is available to assist local agencies in making these determinations. In interpreting the legislative intent regarding implementing PRC 42648, the FAQs referenced above may be useful for local agencies and operators of venues and events.
For more information contact, the Office of Public Affairs, opa@calrecycle.ca.gov