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Building Industry Works to Achieve State Waste Reduction Objectives
Appear in: Southern California Builder, April 2001
 The passage of the Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 (AB 939) challenged Californians to adopt a new approach to waste management, involving the creation of less waste and maximizing the use of recyclable materials. AB 939 mandated the State’s cities and counties to divert from landfills 25 percent of their 1990 waste streams, as adjusted for population growth and local economies, by 1995 and 50 percent by 2000. The 2000 mandate is now here.
The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) is required to conduct a review every two years as an evaluation of a jurisdiction’s progress in implementing programs it had previously outlined to the Board. Once the Biennial Review is complete, the Board either finds the city or county in compliance, or puts it on a compliance schedule to assist it in meeting the goal. Failure to meet the compliance schedule can mean the city or county could face fines of up to $10,000 per day.
Californians have made significant progress toward achieving these goals. Major achievements include local governments’ implementation of new prevention and collection programs, resulting in a 25 percent statewide diversion rate in 1995 and establishment of many new and expanded markets for recyclable materials. However, the challenge of AB 939 has not yet been fully met - the statewide diversion rate for 1999 was 37%.
According to CIWMB, construction and demolition activities generate significant amounts of waste materials, accounting for 20 to 30 percent of the total tonnage of California’s municipal waste stream. The Waste Management Board is therefore targeting construction and demolition waste as a way for jurisdictions to meet the requirements of AB 939. For this reason, builders in some jurisdictions must submit waste handling plans and records as a requirement for their permits or for final inspections.
The AB 939 waste diversion goal cannot be attained without support from the building industry. The building Industry Institute (BII) is working with CIWMB and interested builders to determine how to recycle new construction waste and debris cost-effectively. Some 70% - 80% (by weight) of construction debris can be recycled, often while reducing overall construction costs. Lumber, drywall, cardboard and concrete make up to 80% of construction wastes. These materials can be effectively recycled in an area where recycling infrastructure exists.
Key to builder’s successful recycling efforts is creating and carrying out a waste management plan. This requires early planning and a commitment to follow through. For suggested steps on getting started or evaluating your current status, contact Mike Bachand at Timberleaf Management Services or Rod Tamayo at ConSol. Both work in association with the BII and together have developed construction site recycling protocols that will help builders start or expand their recycling efforts. Mike can be reached at 916-987-9444 or M_Bachand@email.msn.com. Rod can be reached at 209-473-5000 or RTamayo@ConSol.ws
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