AB 876: Compostable organics.

The California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989, which is administered by the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, establishes an integrated waste management program. Existing law requires each city, county, and regional agency, if any, to develop a source reduction and recycling element of an integrated waste management plan. On and after January 1, 2000, the element is required to provide for the diversion of 50% of the solid waste subject to the element, except as specified, through source reduction, recycling, and composting activities. Existing law requires each city, county, and regional agency to submit an annual report to the department summarizing its progress in reducing solid waste.

This bill would require, commencing August 1, 2017, a county or regional agency to include in its annual report to the department an estimate of the amount of organic waste in cubic yards that will be generated in the county or region over a 15-year period, an estimate of the additional organic waste recycling facility capacity in cubic yards that will be needed to process that amount of waste, and areas identified by the county or regional agency as locations for new or expanded organic waste recycling facilities capable of safely meeting that additional need, thereby imposing a state-mandated local program. The bill would also make legislative findings and declarations.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.