Laws: Venues and Events: Reducing Waste

Background

Public Resources Code 42648, et al (AB 2176, Montanez, Chapter 879, Statutes of 2004), the large venues and large events recycling law, requires large venue facilities and large events (as defined by Public Resources Code 42648 (b) and (c)) in each city and county to plan for solid waste reduction and upon request, report information regarding their waste reduction efforts to their local jurisdiction.

The law also directs the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), formerly the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) to provide guidance and assistance to venues and local jurisdictions in meeting their obligations. CalRecycle provides updates on the latest information, tools, and resources available to assist venues, events, and local jurisdictions reduce venue and event waste.

CalRecycle was required to evaluate large venue and event waste reduction efforts as reported by local agencies and submit a report of the findings titled Report to the Legislature: Large Venue and Event Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Composting Programs to the California Legislature.

Frequently Asked Questions

CalRecycle developed responses to frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding PRC 42648 and 42911 to assist local agencies, venues, and events implement the mandates in the following areas:

• Venue and Event Responsibilities and Reporting
• Local Agency Responsibilities and Reporting
• Space for Collection and Loading of Recyclable Materials in Development Projects

Note: Public Resources Code 42648 does not require the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (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 AB 2176, the FAQs referenced above may be useful for local agencies and operators of venues and events.

New Legislation That May Affect Large Venues and Events

AB 341 (Chapter 476, Statutes of 2011, Chesbro): Sets forth the requirements of the statewide mandatory commercial recycling program. Please see our Mandatory Commercial Recycling page for more information.

AB 1826 (Chapter 727, Statutes of 2014, Chesbro): The law phases in the requirements on businesses, including multifamily residential dwellings that consist of five or more units, over time based on the amount and type of waste the business produces on a weekly basis, with full implementation realized in 2019. Additionally, the law contains a 2020 trigger that will increase the scope of affected businesses, if waste reduction targets are not met. Please see our Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling page for more information.

Policies and Ordinances

Visit the pages focused on local jurisdictions or owners/operators below to find policies and ordinances adopted by those entities.