Local Government Assistance Library

This library was developed to assist California jurisdictions with Integrated Waste Management Act compliance. It includes assistance documents developed by CalRecycle and examples of materials submitted to CalRecycle by local jurisdictions. This library may be a convenient place to begin your search if you know the specific resource you are looking for.

Browse the library using the topics below:

  • Basics. A series of fact sheets to help local government officials and others understand and fulfill their responsibilities regarding California’s Integrated Waste Management Act.
  • CalRecycle Guidance Documents. Guidance documents to help meet the requirements of various laws.
  • Jurisdiction Planning Documents and Policies. This library was developed to assist California jurisdictions with Integrated Waste Management Act compliance. It includes assistance documents developed by CalRecycle.
  • Local Government Data Tools. CalRecycle provides databases, tools, and information to assist local government (as well as businesses) to reduce disposal, conserve resources, and help California meet its waste reduction goals.
  • Regional Agencies. Cities and counties may join together to form regional agencies. Regional agencies can report disposal numbers as one entity. Regional agencies may prepare a single set of waste management planning documents, report to CalRecycle as one entity, and jointly implement diversion programs.
  • Reporting. Jurisdictions report on various other subjects to CalRecycle on an annual basis about their recycling, reuse, and reduction of waste within their boundaries
  • Waste Characterization Database. The database provides estimates of the types and amounts of materials in the waste streams of individual California jurisdictions. This database is designed to provide local governments with a tool to look at what’s being disposed in their waste streams to help them plan how to divert materials from disposal and conserve resources. It looks at disposed waste only, so materials that are typically recycled are not included in this data.

Examples

  • Economics and the Environment. CalRecycle has developed tools for jurisdictions to help support efforts to implement diversion programs and to maintain existing waste prevention, reuse, recycling and composting programs. This includes the Institute for Local Government Recycling Resource Center that features a variety of guidance documents and webinars to help elected officials and stakeholders plan and finance new recycling facilities as well as implement commercial recycling programs.
  • General Plan Guidelines Update. In 2017, the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) completed the first comprehensive update to the General Plan Guidelines (GPG) since 2003. One of the major changes includes an expanded section addressing the need for additional recycling, anaerobic digestion, composting, and remanufacturing facilities in the land use element. Additional information is on the OPR General Plan Guidelines website.
  • Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SB 1383) Resources and Examples. This webpage provides a list of all training materials, tools, guidance documents, and other helpful resources that have been developed by the Department or that other entities have developed. These materials may be helpful to jurisdictions as they implement their organic waste recycling and edible food recovery programs.

Related Links

For more information contact: Local Assistance & Market Development, LAMD@calrecycle.ca.gov or (916) 341-6199.