Local Government Central—Rural Issues

Rural Relief

Public Resources Code (PRC) sections 41787 through 41787.5 outline specific measures which can help rural jurisdictions meet the solid waste diversion requirements of the Integrated Waste Management Act.

PRC section 41787 (a) describes the "Petitions for Rural Reduction," which permit the Board to permanently reduce the 50 percent target for rural jurisdictions that cannot feasibly divert half their waste.  

In order to grant a Petition for Rural Reduction, the Board must determine, based on "substantial evidence in the record," that meeting the 50 percent goal is not feasible due to:

Substantial evidence in the record typically includes geographic and waste stream criteria, which are discussed in detail in the Petition for Rural Reduction page.

A petition for rural reduction shall be rescinded by the Board if, during the annual review, it determines that the jurisdiction is no longer eligible for the rural reduction. (PRC 41787 (b).)

A petition for rural reduction is different than an SB 1066 Alternative Diversion Rate, which can last up to three years, must expire no later than January 1, 2006, and are available to all jurisdictions regardless of size.

However, PRC 41787.4 allows for a special two-year time extension exclusively for rural jurisdictions whose waste diversion efforts have been hampered by poor market conditions, who submit a plan of correction, and who can demonstrate that they are achieving the maximum feasible amount of solid waste generation.

Jurisdictions who intend to pursue a Petition for Rural Reduction or a time extension should work closely with their Office of Local Assistance representative.

The following jurisdictions have an approved petition for rural reduction:

Rural Home

Last updated: January 09, 2008