CRRA 2022 Conference & Tradeshow

Senior Program Manager

Alameda County jurisdictions have been implementing commercial compost collection programs for many years, with subscription rates increasing over time. It came as a surprise in Spring 2022, when CalRecycle informed most Alameda County cities (and cities throughout the state) that they had an AB 1826 “program gap” and could face enforcement action because not all accounts were subscribed to organics service. Since that time, StopWaste has communicated with CalRecycle, local governments in Alameda County and beyond, and other partner organizations to increase coordination between state and local government on this issue and identify opportunities to leverage cities’ expertise and experience to advance productive implementation of AB 1826 and SB 1383. The presentation and discussion will share lessons learned and potential next steps.

Public Works Manager

The City of Livermore implemented organics diversion programs nearly 20 years ago, and also chose to participate in the more-stringent Alameda County Mandatory Recycling Ordinance to require organics diversion beginning in 2014, at the time AB 1826 was approved by the Governor.  As of 2021, the City of Livermore had an 84% compliance rate for businesses, and a 99% compliance rate for multi-family complexes per AB 1826 regulations.  Previously, CalRecycle staff indicated that 70% of businesses and multi-family complexes enrolled in organics services was satisfactory.  Unexpectedly, in May 2022, City staff were verbally informed by CalRecycle staff that compliance expectations had increased, and 100% compliance with AB 1826 was now required.  Although the City of Livermore disputes responsibility per AB 1826 for compelling businesses and multi-family complexes to enroll, at CalRecycle’s request, City staff created an action plan to encourage businesses to participate in organics collection services. This presentation will describe the City of Livermore’s temporary pivot away from SB 1383 implementation in order to ensure businesses comply with their responsibly under AB 1826 in an attempt to satisfy CalRecycle’s perceived programmatic deficiency in the City. 

Director, Project Implementation

To come.