Title
Staff Report for Single Use Bag Reduction and Mandatory Recycling Ordinances Proposed by StopWaste.Org
Staffreport
RECOMMENDATIONS
Two countywide laws, a Single Use Bag Reduction Ordinance and a Mandatory Recycling Ordinance are being proposed by StopWaste.Org staff and will be considered by the Alameda County Waste Management Authority Board on December 14, 2011.
The proposed Single Use Bag Reduction Ordinance is intended to reduce the volume of single use bags distributed in Alameda County, and mitigate the negative impacts to the environment caused by bag litter. The ordinance would ban any single use carryout bag and impose a minimum ten-cent per bag fee for reusable and recycled content paper bags at grocery stores and other retailers that sell packaged food items.
StopWaste.Org is also proposing a Mandatory Recycling Ordinance. The ordinance is intended to achieve the diversion goals identified in StopWaste.Org’s Strategic Plan and aid jurisdictions in complying with the State’s forthcoming recycling regulations, as mandated by AB 341. The proposed Mandatory Recycling Ordinance would require Alameda County businesses that generate four cubic yards or more of solid waste per week and all multifamily properties to segregate recyclable materials starting July 1, 2012 (Phase 1) and would require all Alameda County multifamily properties and businesses, regardless of the amount of waste they generate, to segregate recyclables and organic materials starting July 1, 2014 (Phase 2). The ordinance would also apply to waste generators that self-haul materials to a county landfill or transfer station.
Staff recommends that the City Council discuss the Single Use Bag Reduction and Mandatory Recycling Ordinances proposed by StopWaste.Org, and provide direction to Councilmember Cutter regarding San Leandro’s vote at the Alameda County Waste Management Authority Board meeting on December 14, 2011. Staff supports the adoption of both ordinances, but may rec...
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