Aug 30 - New Ordinance Aimed at Increasing County Recycling
Mendocino County's recycling rate hovers at 48%, just shy of the mandated 50% diversion rate goal from the CA Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 (a goal that the entire state recently reached). A requirement for construction and demolition companies to recycle or reuse at least half of the waste produced was introduced to help improve the county's diversion rate. Katie Mintz of The Ukiah Daily Journal reports.
The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors reluctantly introduced an ordinance Tuesday that would require construction and demolition companies doing business in the unincorporated areas of the county to recycle or reuse at least half of the waste produced at every site.With a vote of 3-2, Supervisors Michael Delbar and Jim Wattenburger dissenting, the board voted to introduce the Construction and Demolition Ordinance despite some concerns that an accompanying recycling incentive program for all dumps in the county was not also brought forward.
"I'm not interested in supporting the ordinance without the incentive program in place," Supervisor Hal Wagenet said, despite later changing his mind. "I think that they should not just be worked on independently, but passed as a package so that we know where we're going."
CAW continues to work on legislation to increase recycling opportunities to everyone. AB 2206 (Montañez) would require apartment managers and owners to provide recycling information and assistance to residents of multi-family dwellings to help local governments meet or exceed their waste diversion goals.
What You Can Do
- TAKE ACTION to support AB 2206. Now headed to the Gov's desk!
- LEARN more about recycling opportunities in your county.