In order to address the disparity of recycling opportunity in California, CAW is sponsoring AB 822 (Levine), which would require multifamily dwelling owners to provide appropriate recycling opportunities in their dwelling. This bill is similar to 2007's AB 548 (Levine), that was unforuntately vetoed by the Governor in October.

CAW estimates that expanding curbside recycling to multifamily dwellings could divert an additional 329,000 tons of recyclable materials. Additionally this increased recycling will help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by nearly one million tons.

In 2006, CAW supported AB 2206 (Montanez), which would have required the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) and owners and managers of multifamily dwellings to provide information and assistance to residents to achieve higher recycling levels in multifamily dwellings. Unfortunately, the bill was vetoed by the Governor.

Several local governments, like that of Baldwin Park, have successfully implemented multifamily recycling programs. Most prominently, the Los Angeles City Council voted in 2006 to expand their residential recycling program with the hope of incorporating all multifamily dwellings. CAW believes giving apartment dwellers the same recycling opportunities single family dwellers have could greatly increase diversion rates from our landfills.

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• Go Back to the main Opportunity to Recycle site.