Jun 12 - Waste Board Announces 54 Percent Waste Diversion for California

The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) announced today that the diversion rate estimate for 2006 in the state is 54 percent, two percent higher than the 2005 estimate and four percent higher than the original 2000 goal mandated by AB 939 (1989). This 54% estimate comes from the estimated rate of the state having disposed 92.2 million tons of solid municipal waste, with 42.2 million tons disposed of and 50.1 million tons having been diverted.

The 2006 and 2005 estimates come on the heel of a new change in the way the CIWMB calculates the statewide diversion and generation rates. This new Adjustment Method uses the state's change in population, employment and inflation-adjusted taxable sales to calculate the waste generation rate and population affected by economic growth to calculate the diversion rate.

With the efforts of California residents, businesses and local governments progress continues to be made in diverting waste from landfills through reuse, recycling and composting. The statewide diversion rate estimate for 2006 is 54 percent, 2 percentage points higher than the estimate for 2005. The official 50 percent statewide diversion rate meets a legislatively imposed mandate and places the state at the forefront of national efforts to reduce and recycle our trash.

"I am proud of how California has once again shown the state and nation what can be done through perseverance and ingenuity," said Board Chair Margo Reid Brown. "Reaching the 54 percent goal required a strong commitment from all sectors of private and public enterprises. I am encouraged at their efforts toward continued sustainability."

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Lanh Nguyen