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Serving Diverse Populations With Recycling: A Model for Local Government Recycling and Waste Reduction

Many California communities have large diverse populations. These include multi-ethnic residents, residents who do not speak English or for whom English is not their first language, and transient populations (students and tourists). Also counted in the diverse population group are low-income individuals and families, immigrants, senior citizens, and physically challenged residents.

Local governments can raise awareness for and increase participation in their recycling programs by performing outreach and designing a recycling program with community diversity in mind. Such outreach and programming can be an important factor in reaching the 50 percent recycling rate required by the California Integrated Waste Management Act (AB 939, Sher, Chapter 1095, Statutes of 1989 as amended [IWMA]).

Table of Contents

• General Information
• Targeting Outreach to Special Audiences
• Tailoring Recycling Programs to Reach Diverse Populations
• Costs, Economics, and Benefits
• Local Government Funding and Tips
• Case Studies
  • Monterey
  • El Monte
  • San Francisco
• For More Information

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Credits and Disclaimer

Mark Jackson of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance 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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