Zero Waste and The Role of California’s Waste Reduction Laws

Defining Zero Waste

The concept of Zero Waste has existed since the early 1980s, but today, it’s gaining significant momentum as industries and governments increasingly recognize the need to minimize environmental impact. This shift has led to a growing number of sustainability initiatives and policies being implemented at local and state levels.

Zero Waste is more than just a strategy for managing waste in the facilities industry. A common misconception about implementing Zero Waste practices is that it will eliminate generated waste entirely in your facility. We know that having no waste is virtually impossible, so instead, Zero Waste programs encourage individuals and businesses to reimagine how we handle resources through the five R’s: rethink, reduce, reuse, recycle, and rot (compost) to divert as much waste as possible from landfills. Landfill space in the United States is rapidly decreasing and is projected to reach maximum capacity in 62 years. Zero Waste is a comprehensive approach that extends beyond “end-of-the-line” waste treatment to solve this pressing challenge, advocating for organizations to design systems that maximize resources through conservation and composting.

Waste Fines are Here!

While businesses can receive a Zero Waste Certification by maintaining a diversion rate of 90% or higher over a year, U.S. municipalities’ commitments and progress vary greatly. The engagement opportunity is significant across the nation. According to the Recycling Partnership Organization impact study, the Gulf Coast region has 4.9 million tons of unrecovered recyclables, with California’s opportunity identified at 3.2 million tons. Californians have 95% recycling access, but the state’s recycling rate is only 37%. In efforts to curb waste produced by large refuse generators, waste fines are now in effect for San Francisco. The San Francisco Environment Department can fine a facility at $500 per pick-up day for inadequate waste diversion, which can increase to $1,000 per pick-up day if a resolution is not achieved!

Legislation is Impacting Businesses

Although the above fines are specific to Large Refuse Generators, this process is an aspect of broader state legislation driving changes toward a Zero Waste future. Multiple policies and regulations are shaping how waste is managed across the state, focusing on composting and other actions to reduce waste.

These are some of the significant California Assembly and Senate bills that are impacting how organizations manage their waste:

AB 341 –Commercial Recycling​

• GOAL: Recycling for all businesses that generate more than four cubic yards of solid waste per week​.

AB 1826 – Commercial Organics​

• GOAL: Organic waste recycling is required for all generators of two cubic yards or more of garbage, recycling, and compost combined per week​.

AB 2176 – Large Venues and Large Events​

• GOAL: Organizers are required by state law to develop a Waste Reduction Plan (WRP) and report the results of that plan to a designated local agency​.

AB 827 – Solid Waste: Commercial and Organic Waste: Recycling Bins​

• GOAL: Effective July 1st, 2020, businesses are required to provide customers with solid waste, recycling, and/or organics collection containers to collect material generated from products purchased on the premises. The containers must be clearly marked with labeling indicating which materials are appropriate for each container and accessible to customers.

SB 1383 – Organics (compost) focused​

• GOAL: 75% reduction of organics landfilling by 2025; aimed to curb the release of the most potent greenhouse gasses, such as methane, that arise from organic material​.
• PENALTY: Effective January 1st, 2024, jurisdictions may impose fines for non-compliance, e., contamination of compost streams and/or compost found within the landfill or recycled waste streams when otherwise identified as an “organic” material.

Waste Management Ecosystem & Its Impact

Zero Waste has evolved from a buzzword to a business requirement. Noncompliance has significant financial implications, including fines, audit expenses, and Zero Waste Facilitator fees. Facilities with improper waste disposal also have an immense impact on our environment. If waste streams are contaminated, these decomposing materials release methane and other harmful gases, contributing to climate change and increased smog. The need for effective waste management is more pressing than ever. Industry experts recommend a strategic combination of resources to support a holistic Waste Management ecosystem.

By creating a Waste Management ecosystem and addressing waste through a Zero Waste approach in your organization, you can expect a host of benefits, including:

1. Cost savings: Reduce waste management, disposal, and recycling costs. They can also help businesses reduce material purchasing expenses and improve operational efficiency.
2. Regulatory compliance: Stay compliant with environmental regulations and mitigate environmental liabilities.
3. Brand value: Enhance a business’s reputation and brand value, which can attract environmentally conscious customers and investors.
4. Employee satisfaction: Boost employee satisfaction and morale, as employees feel proud to be part of an organization reducing its environmental impact.
5. New Revenue streams: Discover revenue streams through recycled materials.

How Can You Begin the Journey to Zero Waste?

• Develop Internal Policies: Establish clear policies focused on sustainable sourcing and waste reduction. This includes selecting eco-friendly, recyclable, or compostable products for your facility.
• Provide Collection Containers: Ensure that collection bins for organic waste, recyclables, and landfill-bound materials are readily available in all customer-facing areas (except restrooms).
• Install Clear Signage: Place waste management signs at all collection stations that clearly identify what can be disposed of in each bin. You can customize these signs using pictograms to reflect specific materials generated in your facility!
• Educate Staff: Train employees on best waste diversion practices and disposal methods. Regular education on recycling, composting, and other waste reduction strategies implemented in your facility helps ensure that everyone in your organization understands their role in supporting Zero Waste goals.
• Engage a Zero Waste Facilitator: An individual certified to offer guidance to facilities in to impact the environment and mitigate fine risk. A complete list for San Francisco is located here: https://www.sfenvironment.org/media/12619

By integrating these practices into your organization, you can reduce waste, comply with regulations, and make meaningful progress toward achieving Zero Waste.