A new law, AB 341, went into effect this month in California that requires all businesses generating more than four cubic yards of solid waste per week and all multi-family residential buildings (greater than five units) to recycle their waste . The policy will affect 470,000 businesses and apartment buildings statewide. While the law only affects 20% of businesses, this small percentage is responsible for 75% of the state’s total commercial waste.
CalRecycle expects the bill to save the state $40-60 million annually over the next 8 years. The law is part of California’s goal to reduce disposal rates by 75% by 2020.
“To achieve this goal, we are working with local governments and businesses to provide optimal solutions in their recycling and educational efforts,” David Tucker, director of public affairs for Waste Management of Alameda County.
California businesses are embracing the new legislation. “Many of commercial clients in the Bay Area have shown an eagerness to reduce the cost of their waste and, more importantly, what goes into the landfills,” Tucker said.
