"Innovations" Case Studies: Commercial Innovations and Challenges

Local Government Challenges, Opportunities, and Tips

Local Government Challenges and Opportunities

As local communities strive to meet the 50 percent mandated waste reduction and to go beyond this level, increased efforts focused on the ICI waste streams will pay off. One strategy communities could pursue is to invite the largest point source generators of waste to participate in conducting waste audits and waste reduction projects. Working with the commercial waste haulers can help identify the large generators.

However, the haulers may be fearful of losing commercial business (the most profitable sector of waste collection). Employment data may help identify large generators; local chambers of commerce can provide assistance in this task. Entering the construction and demolition process early to influence planning may prove beneficial, as does using the permit process. But communities should exercise care with waste reduction requirements, so they can avoid creating a disincentive for local development.

Communities can also apply waste reduction requirements to new and existing businesses as they carry out their regular operations. The C&D permit process could be a model; communities could use the local business license (both new applications and annual renewals) as a vehicle for requesting (or requiring) a waste reduction plan. Government agencies could use the annual budget process in the same way. Finally, communities could identify market gaps in recycling and reuse. They could then actively recruit these types of businesses.

Tips for Replication

• If not already in place, determine the feasibility of placing a surcharge on landfilled waste to fund waste reduction efforts. The ACWMA is an example of how to use funding to accomplish local goals.
• Consider forming a business coalition like the SCVMG to work with local government.
• Make maximum use of other government and organization Web sites for technical assistance that may be available to you. Start with the CIWMB Web site at www.ciwmb.ca.gov/.

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Last updated: October 26, 2007