RethinkWaste is assisting its Member Agencies with developing mandatory commercial recycling ordinances. In the summer of 2009, the RethinkWaste initiated a pilot project for the Cities of San Carlos and San Mateo to conduct stakeholder outreach to introduce the concept of mandatory commercial recycling and obtain feedback from stakeholders.
A key goal of this project is to assist the RethinkWaste's Member Agencies with developing tools and policies to meet their waste diversion and resource conservation goals.
Please read on to find out more information about why our Member Agencies are considering a mandatory commercial recycling program and to find out about any meetings or updates.
Why Develop These Ordinances?
- Commercial Sector Solid Waste Generation: Approximately two-thirds of the solid waste generated annually in the RethinkWaste service area is attributable to the commercial sector.
- State Policy: The State of California's Global Waming Solutions Act (AB32) requires local jurisdictions to develop mandatory commercial recycling policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions linked to global climate change. The State anticipates these requirements to begin going into effect in 2010.
- Other Jurisdictions with Similar Ordinances: Various local jurisdictions, including San Francisco, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, and San Diego, among others, and out of state agencies, such as Portland, OR and Seattle, WA have implemented mandatory recycling ordinances to achieve greater conservation of resources.
