Local Government Assistance Library

CalRecycle Guidance Documents

This section of the library provides information produced by the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) to provide assistance in meeting the Integrated Waste Management Act.

Biomass Guide. The following Biomass guidelines include the information a jurisdiction should submit to CalRecycle to substantiate its biomass diversion claim for 2000 (and beyond), as well as other relevant biomass-related information. Note: This guide contains historical information for the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CWIMB), which as of January 1, 2010, has been replaced by CalRecycle. The statewide goal measurement prior to 2007 was an estimated diversion percentage. For 2007 and subsequent years, CalRecycle compares reported disposal tons to population to calculate per capita disposal expressed in pounds/person/day. This new goal measurement system is described in Goal Measurement: 2007 and Later page. Because the annual per capita disposal rate is based on disposal tons, any biomass will not be reported as disposal. In other words, there is no cap on the amount of material a jurisdiction can send to biomass. Therefore, sending material to biomass will help to reduce disposal. A Biomass Facility Diversion Claim Sheet is no longer required for submittal with the jurisdictional Annual Report.

CIWMP Enforcement Guidelines. This policy document guides CalRecycle in deciding whether or not a jurisdiction's solid waste planning documents are adequate, and whether or not a jurisdiction has implemented its plans.

Conducting a Diversion Study--A Guide for California Jurisdictions. Helps local government officials perform the research necessary to establish new baseline figures for diversion measurement. Note: With the implementation of SB 1016, the Per Capita Disposal Measurement System, CalRecycle will only accept new base year studies commenced prior to June 30, 2008. A jurisdiction may conduct a generation study for internal review purposes; however, CalRecycle will not review it for compliance determination.

Disaster Waste Guidelines. These guidelines were prepared to assist jurisdictions in preparing for and dealing with disaster waste.

Five-Year CIWMP or RAIWMP Review. The CIWMP or RAIWMP addresses waste management conditions within the respective county or regional agency. It also provides an overview of the actions that will be taken to achieve the diversion requirements of Public Resources Code (PRC), section 41780 and to maintain 15 years disposal capacity. Statute requires that the elements comprising the CIWMP and RAIWMP be reviewed every five years after the original CIWMP or RAIWMP approval date, and revised, if necessary.

Model Source Reduction and Recycling Element (SRRE) Guidelines. The jurisdiction may follow the guidelines and CalRecycle's Model SRRE Template (Excel, 170 KB), designed for use by either a newly incorporated city that needs to submit a SRRE or a jurisdiction that needs to revise its SRRE.

Model Construction and Demolition (C&D) Diversion Ordinance. CalRecycle is required by statute to create a model construction and demolition ordinance for local agencies to use in their jurisdictions if they desire.

Model C&D Informational Guide. Senate Bill 1374 (Kuehl, statutes of 2002) directs CalRecycle to provide information to jurisdictions and general contractors on methods and activities to divert construction and demolition (C&D) materials. This bill also directs CalRecycle to develop and adopt a model C&D diversion ordinance for voluntary use by local jurisdictions.

Model Recycling Space and Enclosure Ordinance. CalRecycle is required by statute to create a model Recycling Space and Enclosure ordinance for local agencies to use in their jurisdictions if they desire.

Multifamily Recycling. In recognition that multifamily recycling programs are important for California's continued success in waste reduction and recycling this information has been assembled to assist local jurisdiction efforts to develop successful multifamily diversion programs.

New Base Year Guidelines. The general guidelines are provided to assist you in the preparation and completion of the diversion study and the documents required to submit a new base year or a report year generation study (Excel, 209 KB). We recommend that you review the guidelines and the checklist before you begin your study and continue to refer to them as you complete the process. These guidelines are for a nonextrapolated study only. Note: This Guide contains historical information from CIWMB's statewide goal measurement prior to 2007 that estimated a diversion percentage. For 2007 and subsequent years, CalRecycle compares reported disposal tons to population to calculate per capita disposal expressed in pounds/person/day. This new goal measurement system is described in CalRecycle's Goal Measurement: 2007 and Later web page. With the implementation of this measurement system, CalRecycle will only accept new base year studies commenced prior to June 30, 2008. A jurisdiction may conduct a generation study for internal review purposes; however, CalRecycle will not review it for compliance determination.

Nondisposal Facility Element (NDFE). General guidelines for amending these solid waste planning documents. Nondisposal facilities include transfer stations.

Time Extension/Alternative Diversion Requirement. Information on guidelines regarding time extension and alternative diversion requirements (SB 1066 guidelines) has been updated because the related section of the law was repealed on January 1, 2006. Note: This Guide contains historical data from CIWMB’s statewide goal measurement prior to 2007 that estimated a diversion percentage. For 2007 and subsequent years, CalRecycle compares reported disposal tons to population to calculate per capita disposal expressed in pounds/person/day. This new goal measurement system is described in CalRecycle's Goal Measurement: 2007 and Later web page.

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