California Communities Are Recycling More and Throwing Less Away

What we throw away makes a difference

Ever wonder how much garbage you throw out each day?

If you live in California, you aren't tossing out nearly as much trash as you did just a few years ago. In fact, on average today, each Californian throws out just over two pounds of garbage a day, compared with more than three pounds per person in 1990.

Recycling and other efforts pay off statewide and locally

California is currently keeping 33 percent of its trash out of landfills, an all-time high for the state, according to the California Integrated Waste Management Board--;the state's primary recycling agency. Some cities and counties are doing even better than that, recycling 40 or 50 percent, and more.

The success of California's waste diversion efforts is directly attributable to the outstanding work underway by millions of families in cities and counties all over the state who practice the four Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle, and buy recycled.

Curbside recycling, composting, and public education programs throughout California are just some of the efforts paying big dividends in cutting the amount trash communities dispose of, and there is much more to be done to achieve our statewide goal of 50 percent diversion by the start of the new millenium.

Why is diversion so important?

Just nine short years ago, California was running out of room for its garbage. In fact, a landfill crisis loomed. Counties representing 40 percent of the state's population indicated there would be no home for their garbage if their waste management practices didn't change.

In 1989, landmark legislation passed to help extend the life of California's landfills and protect the environment, the Integrated Waste Management Act. That legislation established diversion goals for cities and counties to cut the amount of trash they were sending to landfills by 25 percent as of 1995 and by an ambitious 50 percent as of the year 2000.

California thus began the nation's most aggressive waste reduction and recycling campaign. The results have been staggering. The Waste Board estimates that since 1990, 117 million tons of waste have been recycled. That historic amount is:

• More than one ton recycled every three seconds.
• Enough to fill 84 pyramids the size of the Great Pyramid at Giza.
• Enough to fill a line of garbage trucks that would circle the Earth more than three times.

As a result of California's successful recycling, reuse and waste reduction efforts, space for future garbage has increased. The Waste Board reports that there is now adequate space for California's trash for more than 28 years.

Whom do we have to thank?

Reaching the state's trash-cutting goals has not been easy. Cities and counties have worked tirelessly to offer programs that make it easier for all of us to keep our garbage from piling up in landfills. Successful efforts have included:

• Over 500 curbside recycling programs.
• 2,300 drop-off and buyback centers for recyclables.
• 116 large-scale recycling facilities and composting sites.
• Many K-12 education programs to teach children the importance of reducing, reusing, recycling. and buying recycled-content products.

Today, nearly all Californians can recycle either at their curbs or at convenient community recycling centers near their homes. Public and private agencies are also setting examples by using an increased amount of recycled-content products.

In addition, 40 special Recycling Market Development Zones have been established statewide to create local markets for waste that is being kept out of local landfills.

The business sector--;where nearly half of all California's waste is generated--;is also playing a critical role in our recycling success. By building comprehensive waste reduction programs into their daily operations, businesses have begun to realize important environmental and economic benefits.

Companies as large as Walt Disney, Apple Computer or the Fetzer Vineyards and as small as Santa Rosa's Redwood Landscaping or Carmel's Redwings Horse Sanctuary have found they can protect the environment and improve their bottom lines by cutting the amount of the trash they produce and dispose of.

What more can we do?

The Waste Board is actively working with cities and counties throughout California to help them achieve their waste diversion goals and join in the recycling prosperity seen in so many communities statewide.

But you don't need to wait to take part in California's recycling success. For tips, reports, and other helpful information, like our popular 11 Easy Ways to Cut Your Trash in Half brochure, visit the Integrated Waste Management Board's Website at www.ciwmb.ca.gov. To find out the nearest place to take your recyclables, call 1-800-CLEANUP.

By taking the initiative to cut our trash in half, every Californian can make a vital contribution to the fragile environment and help protect public health and safety at the same time.

Remember--;reduce, reuse, recycle, and buy recycled--;it makes sense!

Publication #530-98-008

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