Title
Adopt a resolution that Monterey County employees will endeavor to reduce, reuse, and recycle as a standard practice in conformity with the State of California’s vision of a zero-waste state.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Adopt a resolution that Monterey County employees will endeavor to reduce, reuse, and recycle as a standard practice in conformity with the State of California’s vision of a zero-waste state.
SUMMARY:
The Montery County Health Department’s Environmental Health Bureau is responsible for enforcing State mandates on waste diversion. As such, the County seeks to lead the way in responsible and wise use of resources.
DISCUSSION:
The California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 (AB 939), Mandatory Commercial Recycling (AB 341, 2011, Chesbro. Solid waste: diversion), Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling (AB 1826, 2014, Chesbro. Solid waste: organic waste), The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32) and other laws establish certain waste diversion goals for the State of California.
These laws mandate increasing diversion of organics from generators that produce fewer amounts of organic material over time. Currently businesses that generate four cubic yards of organic waste shall have organics recycling service; by 2019 businesses that generate four cubic yards of commercial waste must have this service. In addition, by 2020 the Statewide mandate for all solid waste is a 75% recycling, composting, or source reduction rate. In practical terms this means only 25% of waste should be landfilled. The Alternative Energy and Environment Committee of the Board of Supervisors has been briefed on these mandates and has provided direction for staff to frame the mandate at the County level.
The July 27, 2017 Alternative Energy and Environment Committee of the Board of Supervisors received a draft resolution on Monterey County employee waste diversion and recycling in connection with a working group study on the same subject in a March 23, 2017 Committee meeting. The direction of the Committee at the July 27, 2017 meeting was to bring a resolution to the Board of Supervisors which reiterated the State of California’s current and future diversion mandates. This action will highlight the need for departments to be cognizant of these laws and enforce diversion through recycling, reuse, and repurposing material. County departments must recognize material such as office supplies and any other high use material or items should be first repurposed or recycled. Material that cannot be reused or recycled can then be evaluated for placement into the waste stream for landfilling. As departments are responsible for maintaining a recycling program it would be advisable to designate personnel to monitor and report to the department head. Environmental Health can provide guidance and education to these ends.
The Monterey County Health Department, in addition to enforcing these State mandates, follows certain strategic plans. Included in the Monterey County Health Department Strategic Plan Initiatives (Initiative 1) is to empower the community to improve health through programs, policies, and activities.
As part of its own mandate the Monterey County Health Department undertakes certain essential activities. Included in the Monterey County Health Department Ten (10) Essential Public Health Services, item Six (6) is to enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of County Counsel has reviewed the resolution.
FINANCING:
There is no impact to the General Fund resulting from this Board action.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☐Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
☒Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☐Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by: Rob Durham, MA II, 8979
Approved by: Elsa Jimenez, Director of Health, 4526
Attachment:
Resolution is on file with the Clerk of the Board