California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle)

 

"Innovations" Case Studies

Commercial Innovations and Challenges: A Model for Local Government Recycling and Waste Reduction

Communities throughout California are faced with the requirement to reduce waste going to disposal by 50 percent. This goal was mandated by the passage of the Integrated Waste Management Act (AB 939, Sher, Chapter 1095, Statutes of 1989 as amended [IWMA]). In nearly all California communities, industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) sources generate about half of the waste stream. In some communities the figure is close to two-thirds. Clearly reduction in these waste streams must be a major priority of responsible local planners. As both the public and private sectors pay increasing attention to ICI waste reduction, communities have developed and implemented innovations to facilitate reduction efforts. Some challenges have arisen in this process.

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Credits and Disclaimer

Bernie Meyerson of EMS Consulting and UC-Santa Cruz Extension staff prepared this study pursuant to contract IWM-C8028 ($198,633, included other services) with the University of California at Santa Cruz for a series of 24 studies and summaries.

The statements and conclusions in this summary are those of the contractor and not necessarily those of the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), its employees, or the State of California. In addition, the data in this report was provided by local sources but not independently verified. The State and its contractors make no warranty, express or implied, and assume no liability for the information contained in this text. Any mention of commercial products, companies, or processes shall not be construed as an endorsement of such products or processes.

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