Item 11 - Orange County Grand Jury Report: Talking Trash: Recyclables and Organic Waste

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Talking Trash: Recyclables and Organic Waste Another standardization issue is that what is accepted for recycling varies among the jurisdictions and haulers. For example, some allow palm fronds into organics bins while others do not, and some allow food scraps to be deposited in compostable bags while others do not, further adding to the confusion. • Funding and Enforcement While conducting interviews with the Orange County jurisdictions, the OCGJ learned that there are two approaches to funding their solid waste management programs (including SB 1383 implementation activities): (1) using an enterprise fund; and (2) using the general fund. Using an enterprise fund ensures that all revenues generated by the solid waste management program are reinvested in that program rather than being diverted into other needs of the jurisdiction. Even though enforcement activities were effective starting January 1, 2024, jurisdictions only conduct inspections and spot-checks of residential customers' organic and trash containers using either "lid flipping" or smart trucks that record the contents of the containers as they are being emptied. Haulers (via contracts) have been designated to perform these functions. If residents are found to be in violation, the first step is to provide them with additional educational materials and information. If the violation persists, warning notices are issued. The final step is issuing fines. The penalties imposed by a jurisdiction are based on Government Code Sections 53069.4, 25132, and 36900, and are as follows: First violation: $50-$100 per violation; Second violation: $100-$200 per violation; Third or subsequent violation: $250-$500 per violation Penalties increase when an entity violates the same requirement within a one-year period (CalRecycle, 2024). While jurisdictions have yet to collect fines, some have not even established the collection protocol or the account where collected fines will be deposited. • Education and Outreach Clearly, there is a need for more education and outreach. The success of SB 1383 implementation and the ability to reach the CalRecycle goal of a seventy-five percent diversion rate depend largely on residents' compliance and behavior change. Education and outreach is the first and most critical component of that change. "The accuracy of consumer disposal decisions directly influences the performance of the recycling system." (Christian Blanco C. S., 2023) 2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury Page 12