CIWMB Links
Climate Change and Solid Waste Management
Commercial Recycling
The commercial sector generates more than half of the solid waste in California. However, the commercial sector is not subject to the requirements of Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989, (AB 939, Sher, Chapter 1095, Statutes of 1989), to divert waste from landfills.
Recycling of organic materials significantly reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by avoiding methane gas generation caused by materials disposed in landfills. Other recyclable materials, such as glass, paper, plastics, and metals, represent an opportunity for significant energy savings by eliminating the fossil fuel energy needed to extract and refine virgin raw materials for manufacturing.
In order to meet the GHG reduction goals established by the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, one option that CIWMB could consider is GHG reductions from increased recycling by the commercial sector. CIWMB has estimated that if the California’s commercial sector diverted half of its waste each year, it could significantly reduce GHG emissions by the year 2020.
At CIWMB, the Recycling and Waste Management subgroup of the Climate Action Team is currently developing seven measures to reduce GHG emissions through best waste management practices. One of these measures proposes that the commercial sector increase its 2006 recycling levels by 2020.
CIWMB is working with the Institute for Local Government to incorporate commercial recycling in their California Climate Action Network Program.
Climate Change: http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Climate Change/
Contact: climatechange@ciwmb.ca.gov