infoCycling, Winter 2005

infoCycling, Winter 2005

• Waste characterization study
• AB 2176
• Keep Out of the Trash posters and stickers
• Freecycle
• Indian Wells food scrap diversion
• Nevada County Recycles and Fairgrounds
• SBC Park waste reduction
• Resources for venues
• Editor's note

CIWMB completes new statewide waste characterization study

The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) recently completed its 2004 Statewide Waste Characterization Study. Although several jurisdiction-specific disposal characterization studies have been performed in recent years, the previous statewide waste characterization study was completed in 1999.

Due to rapid changes in demographics and economics, the State’s waste stream has changed. More people and more businesses mean more waste that needs to be managed. Thus, updated data on the waste stream is essential for solid waste planning and market development. This is reflected in the CIWMB’s Strategic Plan Goal of conducting a statewide waste characterization study every four years. Finally, more specific data concerning used oil containers, electronic waste (e-waste), and types of organics still being disposed is needed to fulfill both internal and external requirements.

Waste characterization data can be used in many ways. For example, it can provide information about the amount of materials potentially available for recycling or composting, the effectiveness of existing programs, and sources of materials. Some types of data can be used to estimate waste stream characteristics in place of sampling studies. For example, the CIWMB’s waste characterization database combines waste stream information for specific business types with local business sector data to provide proxy information on a city’s commercial waste stream.

The contract for this study was awarded to a consulting group out of Seattle, Washington, in February 2003. The study consisted of characterizing the disposed waste stream for three main disposal sectors: residential, commercial, and self-hauled. Sampling of these waste streams was accomplished at 22 randomly selected disposal sites around the state conducted over four seasons. A total of 550 samples were collected from the three sectors and sorted into 98 specific material types. New material types for this study included specific types of electronic waste, several types of film plastic, various California Redemption Value (CRV) containers, and used oil filters.

This new study is similar to the 1999 Statewide Waste Characterization Study in that the same three main disposal sectors were studied. There are differences, however, in how the commercial sector was evaluated in each study. For the 1999 study, commercial disposal samples were obtained by collecting waste at the source; that is, drawing a sample of waste from the dumpster at a specific business. For the 2004 study, due to a limited budget, commercial sampling was conducted at the disposal site by drawing samples from commercial garbage trucks in the same way as residential samples were drawn from residential garbage trucks.

Comparing the content of the current statewide disposed waste stream to that of the 1999 study produces some interesting results. At about 15 percent, food is still the number one material type in the overall disposed waste stream. The new study also shows that lumber has moved up to the number two spot at about 10 percent. Interestingly, when comparing the two studies, 8 of the top 10 material types in the overall disposed waste stream remained the same. Their percentage of the overall stream may have changed, but those top 10 still comprise more than one-half of the total waste disposed.

Ten Most Prevalent Material Types in California’s Overall Disposed Waste System (2003)

Any differences between cumulative percent figures and the sum of estimated percent figures are due to rounding.

The study also shows that there is still a substantial amount of readily recoverable materials being disposed in California landfills. Approximately 20 percent of the disposed waste stream is potentially recyclable in the form of cardboard, paper, glass, metal, and plastics. About 24 percent is compostable, consisting of food, yard waste, and some nonrecyclable paper.

An additional 16 percent, composed of concrete, lumber, gypsum board, and rock/soil, also has the potential for recovery. This information will be extremely helpful to the CIWMB and jurisdictions as they continue working together to find new, more efficient ways to reach and maintain their diversion goals.

The entire 2004 Statewide Waste Characterization Study can be found on the CIWMB's website. If you have questions regarding this study, you may contact Nancy Carr or Tom Rudy.

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New law affects recycling at California large venues and events

On September 29, 2004, Governor Schwarzenegger signed Chapter 879, Statutes of 2004 (Montañez, AB 2176) into law. AB 2176 is intended to encourage recycling of materials generated by the largest venues and events in the state, and places certain requirements on local governments and the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB).

Cities and counties are currently required to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills by at least 50 percent. AB 2176 provides a new tool for jurisdictions still struggling to reach waste diversion goals. “Californians traditionally recycle and reduce waste at home and work,” said Rosario Marin, Chair of the California Integrated Waste Management Board. “Now they will also have the opportunity to recycle when they’re at play in our state’s most famous and popular venues.”

Under AB 2176, operators of large venues—such as stadiums, convention centers, and parks—and large events, such as festivals, will receive education information from their cities and counties starting in 2005 about how to reduce and recycle waste. The largest venues and events in each city and county must then develop waste reduction plans and implement programs.

Cities and counties are encouraged to assist their largest venues and events in developing waste reduction plans by July 2005. Local agencies may charge a large venue or event fee for their services related to the law. Local agencies will report on the success of the venue and event diversion efforts to the CIWMB starting in 2006 using the existing jurisdiction annual report process.

AB 2176 also insures that space for recycling is designed into new buildings by prohibiting local agencies from issuing building permits for development projects unless the project incorporates adequate storage for collecting and loading recycled materials.
Development projects include commercial, industrial, or institutional buildings; marinas; and residential buildings with five or more living units, as well as public buildings. The provision enforces an existing requirement in Public Resources Code (PRC) section 42911.

The CIWMB will assist the cities and counties by developing a model venues recycling ordinance for voluntary adoption by local governments, developing waste reduction tools and information for distribution to the venues and events, model report forms, and a waste reduction progress report for the State Legislature.

The CIWMB will also enhance its Waste Reduction at Venue Facilities and Large Events website to provide additional case studies and models.
The following is an overview of the provisions of AB 2176 and the roles of the various parties. Please see the actual text of the law to determine full and exact responsibilities under the law.

Purpose of the law

AB 2176 as signed includes a section that discusses the intention of the Legislature in enacting the law, including the following objectives:

• Make effective solid waste reduction, reuse, and recycling opportunities available and convenient to consumers, and urge cities and counties to adopt ordinances that facilitate solid waste reduction, reuse, and recycling opportunities at large venues and events, to enhance the overall success of solid waste reduction, reuse, and recycling in the state. [Section 1 (b) (2)]
• Encourage operators of large venues and large events to include solid waste reduction, reuse, and recycling elements in their design and operating plans, including, but not limited to, adequate space for waste reduction, reuse, and recycling activities, developing partnerships with community groups to encourage reuse of materials, when appropriate, and negotiating solid waste handling and recycling contracts that promote waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. [Section 1 (b) (5)]
• Encourage operators of large venues and large events to purchase recyclable, reusable, compostable, and recycled-content products. [Section 1 (b) (6)]

Definitions in the law

In an effort to assure consistent and clear discussion, the following definitions are listed in the law:

• Large event means an event that charges an admission price, or is operated by a local agency, and serves an average of more than 2,000 individuals per day of operation of the event, including, but not limited to, a public, nonprofit, or private park, parking lot, golf course, street system, or other open space when being used for a public event, including, but not limited to, a sporting event or a flea market. [PRC section 42648 (b)]
• Large venue means a permanent venue facility that annually seats or serves an average of more than 2,000 individuals (including employees) within the grounds of the facility per day of operation of the venue facility. A venue facility includes, but is not limited to, a public, nonprofit, or privately owned or operated stadium, amphitheater, arena, hall, amusement park, conference or civic center, zoo, aquarium, airport, racetrack, horse track, performing arts center, fairground, museum, theater, or other public attraction facility. A site under common ownership or control that includes more than one large venue that is contiguous with other large venues in the site is a single large venue. [PRC section 42648 (c)]

Requirements of the law

• AB 2176 requires each operator of a large venue and event to provide annual waste generation tonnage, waste reduction programs and other information to their host city or county jurisdiction government, as requested. [PRC section 42648.3]
• If identified by their local agency as being among the largest 10 percent of venues or events (as defined), each operator of a qualifying venue or event must meet with their local waste hauler and recycled materials buyers and then develop a solid waste reduction plan and program implementation timeline for the venue or event before July 1, 2005. [PRC section 42648.4 (a) (b)] The plan should address all the waste material types generated by venue or event activities (paper, cardboard, beverage containers, food, etc.), and consider programs to reduce the volume or weight of waste materials produced, and recycle or compost marketable materials. [PRC section 42648.2 (a)]
• The qualifying venue or event must also formally review and update their waste management plan as necessary every two years. [PRC section 42648.4]
• By July 1, 2005, and annually thereafter, the operator of the large venue or large event shall submit specified information about the venue or event, and the performance of its waste reduction and recycling programs to the local agency, as requested. The information shall include:

• The estimated types and tonnage of waste disposed and diverted by the venue or event.
• The waste reduction, reuse, and recycling programs being implemented by the venue or event.
• If any waste diversion program is not being implemented as planned, the operator shall include a brief explanation of the delay.
• The operator shall submit the requested information to the local agency within one month of receiving the local agency’s request. [PRC section 42648.3]

The law requires each city or county (local agency) to take the following actions:

• On or after July 1, 2005, when issuing a permit to an operator of a large venue or large event, the local agency shall also distribute specified information about how to implement waste reduction and recycling programs. Distribution may include directing the venue or event to information on local agency or CIWMB websites. [PRC section 42648.2]
• On or before August 1, 2006, and annually thereafter, until August 1, 2008, the local agency shall provide an estimate and description of information about the largest waste generating 10 percent of large venues and large events (as defined) to the CIWMB. The information shall include:

• The name, location, and a brief description of the venue or event.
• A brief description of the types of wastes generated.
• The estimated amount of materials disposed and diverted, by weight.
• The existing solid waste reduction, reuse, and recycling programs that the operator of the large venue or event utilizes to reduce, reuse, and recycle the solid waste.
• This information shall be reported to the CIWMB as a part of the local agency's annual report submitted pursuant to section 41821. [PRC section 42648.2 (a) (2)]
• If a large venue or large event has contiguous parcels located in both the City of Los Angeles and the County of Los Angeles, the requirements of the chapter shall apply only to the local agency containing the majority of the property for that large venue or event. [PRC section 42648.6]

The law also allows certain discretionary actions by local agencies:

• A local agency may charge and collect a fee from an operator of a large venue or event in order to recover the local agency's estimated costs incurred in complying with the chapter. [PRC section 42648.7]
• Cities and counties are urged to adopt ordinances that facilitate solid waste reduction, reuse, and recycling opportunities at large venues and events, to enhance the overall success of solid waste reduction, reuse, and recycling in the state. [Section 1 (b) (2)]

The law requires the CIWMB to complete the following tasks:

• On or before April 1, 2005, consult with specified entities, and develop one or more model local agency ordinances requiring a recycling program at large venues and events, and make the ordinances available to local agencies [PRC section 42648.1 (a) (b)]
• On or before April 1, 2005, develop waste reduction and recycling assistance information for venue and event operators and local agencies, post the information on the CIWMB's Internet website, and provide technical assistance and tools with regard to implementing the bill's requirements, such as best practices, case studies and innovative products. [PRC section 42648.1 (c) (d)]
• On or before December 1, 2008, evaluate the waste diversion rates and implementation of waste reduction and recycling programs in the top 10 percent of large venues and events identified by each local agency, and determine whether less than 75 percent of all the reported large venues and events have implemented a waste reduction and recycling program. [PRC section 42648.2 (b)] If the CIWMB determines in 2008 that less than 75 percent of the top 10 percent of the large venues and events have not planned and implemented waste reduction and recycling programs as required, the CIWMB shall recommend to the Legislature statutory changes needed to require operators of large venues and events [to] implement their plans and programs. [PRC section 42648.2 (b)]

There is also a requirement in the law for local agencies that extends beyond large venues and events:

On and after July 1, 2005, a local agency shall not issue a building permit to a development project, unless the development project provides adequate areas for collecting and loading recyclable materials. [PRC section 42911 (c)] [See also PRC section 42905 for a definition of development project.]

Contact information

If you would like additional information on AB 2176, contact Chris Schmidle at CIWMB. In addition, the entire chaptered bill is posted on the Official California Legislative Information website.

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Keep Out of the Trash posters and stickers

Under California's Universal Waste Rule, households and conditionally exempt small quantity generators may only dispose of batteries, (excluding lead/acid batteries used in automobiles) fluorescent lamps, mercury thermostats, and electronic devices through February 8, 2006.

The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) created Keep Out of the Trash posters and stickers that promote the recycling and safe disposal of batteries and fluorescent lamps and tubes.

Who would benefit from the posters and stickers?

Large and small businesses, large and small quantity hazardous waste generators, and waste haulers might be interested in placing the stickers on indoor or outdoor waste receptacles. They may want to hang the posters wherever employees and customers can view them. Governmental agencies that work with or inspect businesses might consider distributing these materials when visiting the businesses.

How do I acquire the posters and stickers?

• You can have them reproduced by any professional printer with the Adobe Encapsulated Post Script (EPS) files available for free download. The stickers are designed to be screen-printed onto 5 x 5-inch paper or vinyl adhesive. The posters are designed to be printed on 11 X 14½-inch card stock.
• You can print them with your personal computer onto ordinary 8½ X 11-inch paper with the Portable Document Format (PDF) files available for free download.
• Limited quantities of printed posters and stickers can be requested from CIWMB when they are in stock. See the web pages below for current status of availability.

To download files to reproduce posters and stickers, or to check the availability of printed posters and stickers, go to the CIWMB web pages listed below.

• Battery poster and sticker
• Fluorescent lamp and tube poster and sticker

Who do I contact for more information?

For more information on the battery and fluorescent lamp and tube posters and stickers, contact Donald Van Dyke.

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Freecycle—A great tool for waste reduction specialists

The Freecycle Network provides a mechanism to unite community members, share resources, and protect the environment—and all items posted to the Freecycle Network are completely free. The biggest advantage in using this network comes when we see resources being conserved and new diversion mechanisms developed—helping us as we continue to reduce our dependence on landfills and strive for Zero Waste.

Not unlike the “free box” at your local yard sale, Freecycle is designed to keep useful materials and products out of local landfills. Consider this free electronic service for your local community as a viable option to the traditional yard sale. For recycling coordinators across the state, this is the easiest waste reduction program one could imagine. The network requires no brochures, posters, or ads in the local newspapers. Freecycle is, by all accounts, self-sustaining; volunteers typically serve as local administrators for the web-based service. It’s a hands-off program for local staff.

According to the Freecycle website, more than 750,000 members nationwide participate in more than 2,000 cities. California now has more than 100 Freecycle networks functioning, with a combined membership of more than 55,000 (more by the time you read this).

How does the Freecycle Network operate?

It’s simple. People merely subscribe to the network by going to the Freecycle website. This web-based service is provided through Yahoo. Participants become part of an e-mail group within the city/region selected, and then they can send and receive offers or list items wanted through their e-mail accounts. Users can easily track items, because listings are identified in the message subject line as “Offer,” “Taken,” or “Wanted.”

The volunteer administrator keeps an eye on the network’s activity and reminds the group to follow the rules. Everything posted must be free, legal, and appropriate for all ages. Jobs and services may not be posted. Freecycle is a pain-free, trouble-free waste diversion program for any city, county, or joint powers agency, and it is a reminder of just how many items are really available—just for the asking.

Joining Freecycle

Those interested in learning more about Freecycle should visit the Freecycle website to find a list of frequently asked questions, information on how to start a local group, how to participate, a list of resources, and a short animated video. Freecycle recommends that participants take reasonable measures to protect their safety and privacy when posting to the list or participating in an exchange.

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City of Indian Wells—Large venue food scrap diversion program

The City of Indian Wells hosts the yearly Tennis Masters Series, which is held at the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens Stadium. During the two-week tennis tournament, the stadium welcomes more than 250,000 visitors that come to watch.

March 2001—Pilot food scrap program begins

Beginning in April 2000, the city and the stadium partnered to develop a pilot food scrap program made possible by a CIWMB grant. The city and its consultant held extensive training sessions for the stadium’s food handling staff. The program was implemented at the March 2001 tennis tournament and at the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra’s holiday concert. The pilot program included the following:

• Collecting food scraps from the kitchen and food court for off-site composting.
• Redistributing excess prepared food by coordinating with a local food bank.
• Collecting other recyclable materials such as glass, plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and cardboard.

The final report from the food scrap diversion contract can be accessed on the CIWMB’s Food Scrap Reduction Case Studies web page.

2002—Informal waste study performed

At the end of the 2002 tennis tournament, the city and stadium staff performed an informal waste study. The study showed that food scraps attached to plastic serviceware (plates, cups, and cutlery) remained in the waste stream. As a result, the project team (staff from the stadium, city, haulers, and the consultant) developed an expanded waste diversion program, which consisted of the following:

• Increased training of tennis garden staff.
• Better coordination of the collection of recyclables and trash.
• Increased presence of city staff and its consultant at the venue.
• Introduction of biodegradable plastic serviceware.

June 2002—Food scrap diversion program expanded

In June 2002, the CIWMB approved a two-year (2002–04) large public venue diversion contract for the city and the stadium. This contract provided for expansion of the existing food scrap diversion program by allowing the inclusion of biodegradable (compostable) food service products at the stadium. The facility established a policy of using all possible divertible (recyclable and compostable) food service products.

Planning and implementation

The project team established goals to educate and guide all parties involved in the waste diversion program expansion. In addition, the following goals were established to outline the performance expectations of the project:

1. Establish the viability of biodegradable plastics in a large venue environment.
2. Divert 60 percent of total event waste stream through utilization of biodegradable plastic items.
3. Stimulate markets for biodegradable plastics.
4. Establish future sustainability strategies for the current diversion program with the inclusion and acceptance of biodegradable plastics.
5. Determine the compostability of the biodegradable items used in the event.

For detailed information about the planning and implementation of these goals and lessons learned while introducing biodegradable serviceware into a food waste diversion program, go to the CIWMB's November 2004 Agenda Item Number 8 and the Final Report - Use of Biodegradable Plastics In Stadiums.

Next steps

Tennis Gardens Environmental Sponsorship—The stadium currently has a number of corporate sponsors. The stadium is exploring additional environmental corporate sponsorships to expand use of biodegradable plastics throughout the stadium.

Promotion and Outreach—The city shared its experiences with other local jurisdictions and large venues at the workshop on Food Waste Diversion at Large Public Venues sponsored by the CIWMB on December 8, 2004. In addition, CIWMB staff and the city are promoting the success of the program on the CIWMB’s Waste Reduction at Venue Facilities and Large Events website.

Contact information

For more information on the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens large venue food scrap diversion program, contact Susan Weisbart, City of Indian Wells, at (760) 346-2489, or e-mail her. You can also contact Chris Kinsella at CIWMB.

For handouts, presentations, and other useful information from the CIWMB workshop on Food Waste Diversion at Large Public Venues, go to the December 2004 agenda. 

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Nevada County Recycles and the Nevada County Fairgrounds partner to create successful diversion programs

Ed Scofield, of Nevada County Fairgrounds, and Lynne Cody, of Nevada County Recycles, worked together on a recycling plan to expand Nevada County Fairgrounds waste diversion activities. The main focus was to increase diversion during the county fair, since half of all the trash generated at the fairgrounds each year is created during the five-day event.

By partnering together, a successful diversion program was developed for the fair and other popular events. A key component was to create a strong infrastructure with a plan to add components each year. Highlighted below are some of their shared successes.

Nevada County Fair diversion

The partnership between the fair and the county had its first successful waste diversion event during the fair that took place August 11 through August 15, 2004. A total of 1.8 tons of cardboard, 72 tons of manure, and 1¼ tons of mixed recyclables (aluminum, glass, plastics #1–7, and tin) were collected. By providing increased recycling opportunities, the mixed recyclable volume went up four times from the previous year, and the manure volume doubled.

How was success achieved?

• Publicity was a key component to educating the public to take advantage of recycling opportunities while at the fair. The recycling strategy included sending a press release to the local media, producing radio spots and a weekly radio show to highlight recycling, and posting large recycling signs at the parking gate entrances and ticket booths. The fair program advertised recycling opportunities for fairgoers featuring the new easy-to-use recycling bins purchased last year.
• At a yearly meeting, food concessionaires learned about the new materials added to the program. Laminated recycling signs were provided for posting in booths. Concessionaires were advised to leave their recyclables near their booths, where fair employees collected the materials and deposited them in large recycle bins. The local hauling company emptied the full recycling bins before the fair opened each day.
• Other vendors were advised about how to go about recycling cardboard by fairgrounds staff. For the 2005 season, the plan is to include recycling information in all fair packets.
• The county purchased new recycling containers mounted on steel frames with clear plastic bags. The new containers had cutouts so only bottles and cans could easily be dropped in the bin. The limitation of these containers was that beer cups (a material that was intended to be collected) would not fit through the cutout. To address this challenge, 32-gallon blue recycling bins with open tops were placed in the food areas where most of these drinks were consumed. Large signs were attached to the back of the bins to clearly demonstrate what recyclables were accepted.
• The fair took the old 55-gallon trash drums and put black-and-white cow covers on them, which made them a part of the fair theme. The contrast between the “cow” trash cans and the recycle containers was so obvious that the contamination to the recyclables was minimal. A photo of a recyclable container and a trash container are shown on this page.

Recycling and trash containers used at the fair.
Photo taken by: Jeff Garthwait

• The manure generated by all the livestock was collected, stored in roll-off containers, and hauled off daily by the local hauler. The hauler delivered the manure and straw to local ranches, farmers, and vineyards. The day after the fair, the Nevada County Farm Bureau arranged for volunteers to clean out the stalls and for a private trucking company to haul at no charge remaining organic materials for reuse.
• The county and the fair partnered with a nonprofit organization to collect recyclables from the recycling bins in the public areas. The nonprofit organization received money collected through the redemption of the CRV containers and other in-kind donations. This was used as a fundraiser for the nonprofit organization while providing the fairgrounds with additional recycling labor.

Recycling at other special events

Special event organizers who contract to use the fairgrounds are required to make their own garbage and recycling service arrangements. To make recycling easier, the county, in cooperation with the fair, offers assistance in setting up recycling and arranging services with the local hauling company. To help maintain a consistent program that all fairgoers recognize every time they attend an event, the county also works with the fairgrounds to keep recycling containers and supplies on-site.

This past year, nine special event organizers were assisted in setting up recycling at a variety of special events that ranged from three-day music events to a series of nightly music concerts. Some of these multi-day events allow on-site camping. To encourage recycling in the camping area, recycling bins were placed in strategic locations. Recycling bags were also distributed to all attendees to make it easier for them to keep aluminum, glass, and plastic separate from garbage.

Diversion can be a challenge with a variety of events

Roamin’ Angels Car Show—More than 60,000 people attended this three-day event. Perry Morrell of the Roamin’ Angels says “they (the fairgrounds staff and Nevada County Recycles) have created a recycling system so user-friendly, it is easy for us to do the right thing.” The “right thing” kept more than 400 pounds of cardboard and 800 pounds of mixed recyclables out of the landfill.

Draft Horse Classic—More than 20,000 people attended this four-day event. Girl Scout Troop 1994 collected and sorted recyclables, raising money to bring supplies to needy children in Honduras in 2005. This event was partially rained out so the recycling totals were down, and this was a first-time effort to offer recycling to the public. However, the troop proudly points to 33 pounds of aluminum, 150 pounds of glass, and 61 pounds of plastic they recycled.

Fairgrounds staff collected cardboard, manure, and recyclables generated by food concessionaires, increasing the waste diversion at this event. The fairgrounds staff collected a total of 400 pounds of cardboard, 50 tons of manure, and 556 pounds of mixed recyclables (for example, mixed glass, aluminum, tin, and plastic). The total mixed recyclables collected during the Draft Horse Classic was 800 pounds.

Contact information

If you have questions about diversion programs at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, contact Ed Scofield at (530) 273-6217, or e-mail him. Or, contact Lynne Cody, Nevada County Recycles, at (530) 265-7119, or e-mail her. Please feel free to contact Anthony Marin, California Integrated Waste Management Board as well.

If you have questions about other State agency diversion programs, contact your State agency assistance section representative. See the State Agency web page for a listing of the representatives.

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San Francisco’s SBC Park is making a difference in waste reduction!

To assist the City of San Francisco in meeting diversion goals, SBC Park recycles, composts, conserves water and energy, and uses biodegradable and lower-toxicity products. SBC seats 41,500 fans, and attendance at the games usually exceeds 3 million per season.

SBC Park
Photo taken by: Steven Sherman

SBC partnered with its staff, vendors, contractors, the city, and a consulting firm to create and implement its successful waste diversion program. The consulting firm trained park management and staff on waste diversion practices. Because of the ongoing training given to SBC management and staff, SBC’s commitment to its waste diversion program, and the city’s commitment to waste diversion, SBC has been able to achieve a high level of recycling and composting. In addition, SBC’s contracted food concessionaries play a key role in implementing the waste diversion programs.

Materials SBC recycles include:

• Cardboard: approximately three to five bales (an estimated 800 pounds per bale) of cardboard is collected after each game. The cardboard is picked up by a local recycling company for recycling.
• Mixed paper: six 64-gallon toters of mixed paper are collected after every three games. The mixed paper is picked up by a local recycling company for recycling.
• Beverage containers: two 4-cubic yard bins of mixed beverage containers (glass, metal, aluminum, and plastic) are collected after every game. The mixed beverage containers are picked up by a local recycling company for recycling.

Mixed beverage containers
Photo taken by: Christopher Williams

SBC composts

• Two cubic yards of soil and sod are collected after every three games. The soil and sod is sent to the sod farm where it is mulched and composted, then used to grow more sod. The sod is sent back to the stadium for use on the ballpark.
• Twelve cubic yards of grass clippings and food scraps are collected after every game. A local recycling company picks up the materials and processes it into compost. The recycling company then markets the compost to landscapers, farmers, and vineyards.

Food Scraps
Photo taken by: Christopher Williams

What other waste diversion programs has SBC implemented?

SBC Park purchases paper products with postconsumer recycled content, uses less-toxic cleaning products, chooses sustainable construction materials (such as cork flooring and low-maintenance finishes), and uses energy-efficient lighting.

Contact Information

If you would like more information on SBC’s waste diversion programs or the consulting firm they used, contact Jack Macy, City of San Francisco, at (415) 355-3751 or e-mail him. In addition, you can contact Frank Peinado, SBC Park, at (415) 972-1523 or e-mail him for information. You can also contact Chris Kinsella, California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) for more information.

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Large venues and events waste diversion resources

On December 8, 2004, the CIWMB held a Food Waste Diversion at Large Public Venues Workshop. Many useful handouts, presentations, and other information are available from the workshop. The CIWMB has an abundance of helpful information on its Waste Reduction at Venue Facilities and Large Events website.

If you have responsibility for waste management at a venue facility, such as a stadium, convention center, or amusement park, or manage a large event such as a food festival or golf tournament, this site will provide you with valuable information about how to decrease the amount of solid waste you generate and throw away.

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Editor’s note

I hope you enjoyed this edition of infoCycling. In the spring 2005 edition, look for an article on CalMAX. In addition, look for information on miniMAXs established by various jurisdictions. Please contact me with suggestions on articles you would like to see included in infoCycling and announcements of events in your jurisdiction or at your State agency. Your comments and suggestions on infoCycling are always welcome!

Tracy

Last updated: December 28, 2007