Annual Reporting Requirements

NOTE: This webpage is being updated. Go to Model Reporting Tools webpage for current EAR information.

What is the jurisdiction’s annual report?
The annual report describes the progress a jurisdiction has made in achieving the requirements of the Integrated Waste Management Act, (AB 939, Chapter 1095, Statutes of 1989) and the Per Capita Disposal Measurement Act of 2008 (Chapter 343, Statutes of 2008 [Wiggins, SB 1016]. The annual report includes the numbers used to calculate a per capita disposal rate plus all required supporting documentation and attachment of any required documentation to support changes to those numbers. It also includes a status report on planned and implemented solid waste diversion programs and facilities, as well as planned or implemented revisions to approved solid waste planning documents.

When is the report due?
August 1st of each year.

What is the purpose of the annual report?
The Annual Report is the jurisdiction’s self-assessment of its progress in implementing the Integrated Waste Management Act. Once every two or four years (depending on compliance status), CalRecycle (formerly the Integrated Waste Management Board) conducts its own assessment of the same; known as the Jurisdictional review. CalRecycle reviews the Annual Reports and other data to determine if the jurisdiction has implemented the solid waste diversion programs it selected and whether it has met the IWMA goals.

Who must report?
Each city, county, or regional agency with a CalRecycle-approved planning document (such as a source reduction and recycling element or a countywide/regional agency integrated waste management plan) must submit an annual report to CalRecycle summarizing its progress in reducing solid waste as required by Public Resources Code (PRC)Section 41821

What is the required content of the annual report?
The annual report content must meet the requirements listed in Title 14, California Code of Regulations (14 CCR) Section 18794.0

Is there a required format for the annual report?
Yes. The Electronic Annual Report (EAR) is CalRecycle’s required format to file jurisdictions’ annual waste diversion program reports from an Internet-connected computer. Each year a letter is sent to jurisdictions announcing that the EAR is available. An instructive “how to file the EAR” webinar is typically held shortly after the EAR is made available.

What other kinds of tools does the CalRecycle offer to help prepare the Annual Report?
There are many web-based tools provided to help jurisdictions—or interested citizens—analyze solid waste disposal trendsmeasure waste streamscalculate an annual per capita disposal rate, or to examine the solid waste diversion programs implemented by any jurisdiction with IWMA responsibilities.

What are the tools?

  • Beginning with reporting year 2007 jurisdiction annual reports, diversion rates will no longer be measured. With the passage of SB 1016, the Per Capita Disposal Measurement System, only per capita disposal rates will be measured. 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.
  • The Jurisdiction Diversion Rate Summary allows the user to see all the numbers used to estimate previous diversion rates for the years before 2007. After 2007, diversion rates will no longer be measured.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. CalRecycle has a blank diversion rate calculator available.
  • The Diversion Programs System generates several different reports regarding a jurisdiction’s implemented and planned diversion programs. In addition, this program can generate a blank form, which is helpful when submitting program status information required for the annual report. The form provides up to the last three years of a jurisdiction’s implemented and planned programs. To complete a form for submittal, just print out the form and then add the information for the current annual report year.
  • RDRS (Recycling and Disposal Reporting System) tracks the disposal quantities reported by facilities. This information is used in calculating a jurisdiction’s diversion rate estimate. RDRS also provides reports on disposal quantities by jurisdiction and on ADC (alternative daily cover) quantities by material types
  • Report-year disposal modification certification (CalRecycle 876) is used by a jurisdiction to request a change to the reporting year disposal tonnage. If applicable, it is recommended this form be included as a part of the EAR.

Need help or have suggestions?
If you have suggestions for additional information, or if you have additional questions about these web pages, please contact local assistance staff.

Log in to the Electronic Annual Report | Reporting Home

NOTE: This webpage is being updated. Go to Model Reporting Tools webpage for current EAR information.

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

Program News...

  • The 2020 Electronic Annual Report (EAR) was released to jurisdictions on June 15, 2021. The EAR is due Monday August 2, 2021
    • Disposal facility data that is used to calculate per capita disposal rates is now reported in the  Recycling and Disposal Reporting System (RDRS) per AB 901. Public reports for disposal and recycling data are now available.
  • If you have any questions please call the LAMD office at (916) 341-6199 or contact your LAMD representative.