Per Capita Disposal and Goal Measurement (2007 and Later)

The purpose of the per capita disposal measurement system (Chapter 343, Statutes of 2008 [Wiggins, SB 1016]) is to make the process of goal measurement as established by the Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 (AB 939) simpler, more timely, and more accurate.

SB 1016 builds on AB 939 compliance requirements by implementing a simplified measure of jurisdictions’ performance: changing to a disposal-based indicator—the per capita disposal rate—which uses only two factors: a jurisdiction’s population (or, in some cases, employment) and its disposal as reported by disposal facilities.

SB 1016 shifts from the historical emphasis on using calculated generation and estimated diversion to using annual disposal as a factor when evaluating jurisdictions’ program implementation. Overall benefits of the new approach include:

• • Focuses on diversion program implementation.
  • Increases simplicity and timeliness of goal measurement.
  • Allows for jurisdiction growth.
  • Saves money and time by eliminating complex calculations.
  • Increases CalRecycle staff field presence.
  • Adjusts CalRecycle review schedule for compliant jurisdictions.

The per capita disposal rate approach is not determinative of jurisdiction compliance. CalRecycle will use per capita disposal to evaluate program implementation and local jurisdiction performance. CalRecycle’s evaluation will focus on how jurisdictions implement their programs.

Using Per Capita Disposal (Per Resident or Per Employee)

• • Every year CalRecycle will calculate each jurisdiction’s per capita (per resident and per employee) disposal rates.
    • CalRecycle will use the per resident disposal rate for most jurisdictions.
    • If business is the dominant source of a jurisdiction’s waste generation, CalRecycle may use the per employee disposal rate.
  • Per capita disposal is an indicator that allows for jurisdiction growth. As residents or employees increase, report-year disposal tons can increase and still be consistent with the 50 percent per capita disposal target. Disposal modifications such as disaster waste are still allowed.
  • Per capita disposal will be adjusted to account for the maximum 10 percent transformation credit allowed by statute (PRC Section 41783).
  • There is no specified biomass credit under SB 1016. However, materials diverted from a disposal facility to a biomass facility will result in a disposal reduction.
  • Rural reduced goals will still be allowed.
  • CalRecycle review of jurisdiction compliance will still be on a case-by-case basis. Jurisdictions will not be compared to other jurisdictions or the statewide average. Jurisdictions will only be compared to their own 50 percent per capita disposal target.
  • A comparison of the reported annual per capita disposal rate to the 50 percent per capita disposal target will be useful for indicating progress. Jurisdictions and CalRecycle staff will be able to assess disposal trends over time.
  • In rare situations where population or industry employment are not adequate indicators to account for growth in disposal, CalRecycle may consider alternate factors on a case-by-case basis.

Jurisdiction Annual Report Frequency

Beginning with the 2008 measurement year, jurisdiction electronic annual reports will be due August 1st of each following year. For example, the 2008 annual report was due August 1, 2009.