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"Innovations" Case Studies

Organics Options: Opportunities for Local Government Reuse, Recycling, and Composting

 
This case study highlights the full range of options available to local governments to decrease, reuse, recycle, and compost organic materials. Communities that have implemented only some of these programs may find that adding other organics programs could pay off large dividends quickly for greater waste diversion.

In California, the 1999 statewide waste characterization study found that 35.1 percent of the remaining waste stream being landfilled is organic material. This creates a valuable opportunity for greater waste diversion. Most municipalities in California have implemented some form of organics recycling programs. In fact, communities are finding that organics reuse, recycling, and composting programs are diverting from landfills at least as much waste as the much heralded curbside recycling programs.

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Summary of this publication | Download this publication

Credits/Disclaimer

Gary Liss & Associates prepared this study pursuant to contract IWM-C8028 ($198,633, included other services) with the University of California at Santa Cruz for a series of 24 studies and summaries.

The Board would like to acknowledge the following individuals who assisted in the preparation of this document:

  • Michele Young and Stephen Bantillo, City of San Jose
  • Brenda Platt, Institute for Local Self-Reliance
  • Jim Jensen, Yelm Worm Farm
  • Jack Macy, City/County of San Francisco

The statements and conclusions in this summary are those of the contractor and not necessarily those of the California Integrated Waste Management Board, its employees, or the State of California. In addition, the data in this report was provided by local sources but not independently verified. The State and its contractors make no warranty, express or implied, and assume no liability for the information contained in this text. Any mention of commercial products, companies, or processes shall not be construed as an endorsement of such products or processes.

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Last updated: October 26, 2007

Local Government Central  http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/LGCentral/
Larry N. Stephens: lstephen@ciwmb.ca.gov  (916) 341-6241