FAQ: Alternative Methodologies

General Questions

How many alternative methods are available?

Two.

• Glass Cleaning Process: An alternative methodology for claiming CRV on loads of glass with greater than 10 percent contamination.
• Material Allocation Process for Multiple Programs: An alternative methodology used in lieu of completing a separate shipping report for each delivery of material purchased from multiple curbside programs, dropoff or collection programs, and community service program.

Who must complete an alternative method application?

Any certified processor or recycling center operators that wants to report material purchases to the Division using a non-standard methodology.

Does the alternative method need to be approved before it can be used?

Yes. The Division must approve your application to use an alternative methodology before it is used. Until the application is approved, operators must comply with the reporting requirements defined in statute and regulations.

If my methodology changes, do I need to submit a new alternative method application?

Yes. If your alternative methodology changes, you will need to submit a new application to the Division for approval.

How long will it take for an alternative method application to be approved or denied?

A written approval or denial will be issued by the Division within forty-five (45) calendar days after receipt of the application, in accordance with regulations.

Glass Cleaning

Who must submit an application for approval of an alternative method of cleaning glass?

In accordance with regulations, any certified processor purchasing glass from registered curbside programs (CS), certified collection programs (CP), including a “waste reduction facility”, or a certified community service programs (SP), where the load has a residual or other contamination level greater than 10 % of the total weight must request an alternative method of preparing the shipping report for payment. (Regulations 2425(h))

May any certified processor apply to clean glass?

Yes. Any certified processor may clean glass once the Division approves an alternative method application for a glass cleaning process.

Is it a violation of regulations for a certified processor to claim California refund value for glass loads with greater than 10% contamination without an approved alternative method application?

Yes. It is a violation of 14 CCR Section 2425(h).

Do I need to adjust my DR-6 for loads of glass with less than 10% contamination?

Yes. A certified processor must adjust each DR 6 for contamination regardless of the level of contamination.

Material Allocation Method for Multiple Programs

Who must submit an application for approval of an alternative method to allocate material to multiple programs?

Certified processors and recycling center operators that purchase material from many curbside programs (CS), dropoff or collection programs (CP), or community service programs (SP) during any one day and want to report purchases after it has been sorted instead of submitting multiple shipping reports for each delivery, as required by regulations.

How does a material allocation process for multiple programs impact my business?

A material allocation process allows certified processors and recycling center operators to prepare shipping reports for each CS, CP, or SP based on waste characterization percentages.

Are there specific requirements for an approved material allocation process?

Yes.

• The method must be based on a reasonable allocation method.
• The received weight of the material purchased must be used to calculate the allocations.
• Operators must ensure that the weight of rejected containers, line breakage, and out-of-state containers is not included in the allocated weight.
• Operators must account for each incoming load of material.
• Operators must inspect incoming material to verify that it is eligible for refund value payments.