CRRA 2023 Conference and Trade Show

Chief Ecological Officer

Steve Lautze has over 40 years of experience in waste reduction and recycling market development, spanning operations, policy advocacy, and work with scores of reuse and recycling-based manufacturing companies.  After working initially in buyback operations and commercial recycling consulting, Steve made a bold shift to focus on recycling market development and urban sustainability issues for 20 years in the dynamic city of Oakland, including service as President of the California Assn. of Recycling Market Development Zones for 16 years.  Currently an independent consultant, Steve remains focused on market and infrastructure development, without which there can be no real circular economy.

Can't Have a Circlular Economy Without Closing the Loop

Historically, California waste reduction policy and effort has focused disproportionately on landfill diversion, including AB 939, SB 341, and most recently SB 1383.  Meanwhile, restrictions on exports to China and other offshore markets have translated into a statewide recycling rate below 40%, a far cry from the heady claims of 60% landfilll diversion just 10 years ago.  Market and infrastructure development have received more attention recently, including policies hatched by the statewide Market Development Commission (2020-22), though various extended producer responsibility (EPR) meaures have yielded uneven degrees of success.  CalRecycle funding for market development has increased somewhat, but is also sporadic.  There is also much talk and some action from the private sector to pursue a "circular economy".  CalRecycle committed to create an Office of Innovation for Market Development (OIMD) back in late 2021; however, at this writing, 18 months later, no director for this office has yet been hired, and its mission is stuck in neutral.  The reality is that California will never approach 75% recycling or a circular economy unless there is increased focus on and resources for more market and infrastructure development throughout the state.  In this presentation, attendees will learn about specific initiatives that will create more in-state demand for recyclables and organics, including: strengthening exisiting program such as RMDZ and sales tax exclusion incentives; national/international marketing of these programs to attract new market players; strategies for siting and permitting statewide, while respecting environmental justice; research and development to enhance and create new technologies; and more.