Local Government Assistance Library

This library was developed to assist California jurisdictions with Integrated Waste Management Act compliance. It includes CalRecycle-developed assistance documents and examples of materials submitted to CalRecycle by local jurisdictions. The library is not the only place to access these materials–they are referred to throughout Local Government Central. This library may be a convenient place to begin your search if you know the specific resource you are looking for.

Browse the library using the topics below:

Overview

  • Basics. This section includes a series of “fact sheets” to help local government officials and others understand and fulfill their responsibilities with regard to California’s Integrated Waste Management Act.
  • CalRecycle Guidance Documents. This section provides guidance and information produced by CalRecycle staff, jurisdictions and others in meeting the requirements of the Integrated Waste Management Act.
  • Local Government Data Tools. CalRecycle provides a number of databases, tools and information to assist local government (as well as businesses) to reduce disposal, conserve resources, and help California meet its waste reduction goals.
  • Regional Agencies. Cities and counties may join together to form “regional agencies.” Regional agencies can report disposal numbers as one entity. Regional agencies may prepare a single set of waste management planning documents, report to CalRecycle as one entity, and jointly implement diversion programs.
  • Reporting. Jurisdictions report on various other subjects to CalRecycle on an annual basis about their recycling, reuse, and reduction of waste within their boundaries
  • Waste Characterization Database. The database provides estimates of the types and amounts of materials in the waste streams of individual California jurisdictions in 1999. This database is designed to provide local governments with a tool to look at what’s being disposed in their waste streams to help them plan how to divert materials from disposal and conserve resources. It looks at disposed waste only, so materials that are typically recycled are not included in this data.

Examples

  • Institute for Local Government Recycling Resource Center. Featuring a variety of guidance documents and webinars to help elected officials and stakeholders plan and finance new recycling facilities as well as implement commercial recycling programs. These resources were developed under a contract with CalRecycle.
  • Local and Regional Summaries and Statistics Center. Jurisdiction and regional summary information helps decision makers identify trends, solve problems, and compare the performance of cities, counties, and regional agencies in reducing and diverting waste.
  • General Plan Guidelines Update. In 2017, the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) completed the first comprehensive update to the General Plan Guidelines (GPG) since 2003. One of the major changes includes an expanded section addressing the need for additional recycling, anaerobic digestion, composting, and remanufacturing facilities in the land use element. Additional information is on the OPR General Plan Guidelines website.
  • Best Practices in Waste Reduction. Video series (October 2009) available to watch on YouTube or our . Reducing waste can save you money, conserve energy and resources, and reduce air, soil, and water pollution. This 12-chapter video shows you real options for recycling, reducing, or reusing solid waste products. Helping promote California’s development of markets for recyclable materials is part of our mission. We can help you with technical, financial, and permitting assistance. Please feel free to contact CalRecycle’s Office of Public Affairs for more information.

Archive

The following topic(s) have been archived.

Local Jurisdiction Waste Diversion and Recycling Outreach Materials. CalRecycle’s intent is to be a clearinghouse for jurisdiction outreach materials. These links will lead you to various waste diversion and recycling outreach materials created by California jurisdictions. Outreach materials may include brochures, fact sheets, pamphlets, newsletters, handouts, and other publications that promote recycling, reuse, and waste reduction.

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