How the Measurement System Works

Measuring Diversion Rate Achievement (An Overview)

• Summary
• Base-Year Generation
• Estimated Reporting Year Generation
• Maximum Allowable Disposal
• Reporting Year Disposal
• Diversion Rate Achievement

Summary

The Integrated Waste Management Act requires local governments to prepare and implement plans to achieve 50 percent waste reduction on and after 2000.(PRC 41780) For 1995, the requirement was 25 percent.  AB 2494, passed in 1992, requires a specific standardized methodology to measure solid waste disposal reduction. Each jurisdiction uses this methodology to summarize its waste reduction progress in an Annual Report to the Board.  If a jurisdiction belongs to a Board-approved Regional Agency, then that Agency is responsible for the Annual Report.

Base-Year Generation

The Base-Year Generation Tonnage is the amount of solid waste disposed and diverted in each jurisdiction's base year, as reported in the jurisdiction's source reduction and recycling element and approved by the Board.

Estimated Reporting-Year Generation

Jurisdictions estimate their report-year generation tonnage using the Board-approved Adjustment Method, which adjusts base-year generation tonnage to remove the effects of changes in economics.

Maximum Allowable Disposal

The Maximum Allowable Disposal equals 50 percent of the estimated report-year generation amount for 2000, and was 75 percent of the estimated report-year generation amount for 1995 (unless the jurisdiction has a Board-approved reduced diversion goal). To meet the diversion rate requirement, a jurisdiction may dispose no more than the estimated maximum allowable disposal.

Report-Year Disposal

The Board's Disposal Reporting System estimates quarterly disposal tonnage for each jurisdiction. Disposal includes all sources of solid waste disposed at Board-permitted landfill/transformation facilities, and all waste exported out of state.

Diversion Rate Achievement

Jurisdictions compare estimated maximum allowable disposal to report-year disposal.  If report-year disposal is less than the maximum allowable disposal, then a jurisdiction has achieved the required diversion rate.

Failure to meet the diversion rate will not automatically result in a fine. The Board also considers program implementation and "good faith efforts" when assessing a jurisdiction's compliance.  When the Board finds a jurisdiction has not met the requirements, it places the jurisdiction on a compliance order and schedule.  If the jurisdiction fails to meet the compliance order and schedule, the Board will consider whether to impose a fine.

Diversion Rate Measurement Home

Last updated: January 09, 2008