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Senator Tom Torlakson, Chair
Senate Appropriations Committee
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: AB 822 (Levine) Multifamily Dwelling Recycling -- Support

Dear Senator Torlakson,

I am writing in support of Assembly Bill 822, which will expand recycling opportunities at multifamily dwellings.

While California overall is diverting more than 50 percent of generated waste, it's estimated that just 15 percent of waste generated at multifamily dwelling is currently diverted. While just 19.1 percent of Californians live in multifamily dwellings, these housing units account for 26 percent of the residential waste stream. AB 822 is aimed at increasing recycling in California by closing the curbside recycling gap for multifamily dwellings.

AB 822 requires that an owner of a multifamily dwelling provide appropriate recycling services for the dwelling in accordance with local provisions.

While nearly 70 percent of Californians living in single family homes have access to curbside recycling, no more than 40 percent of those living in multifamily dwellings have access to a residential recycling opportunity and many of those are unaware of it.

A 2004 waste stream analysis by the California Integrated Waste Management Board found that 26.4 percent of the multifamily waste stream is recyclable and that more than 894,687 tons of recyclable materials are currently being landfilled by these residents.

Expanding curbside recycling to multifamily dwellings could divert an additional 329,000 tons of recyclable materials. Additionally, this increase in recycling will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly one million tons.

All Californians deserve the opportunity to recycle, regardless of whether they live in a single family home or a multifamily dwelling.

Sincerely,