2007-08 Legislation
Table of Contents:
Click on the header of any of the following bills to get more information.
AB 48 (Saldaña) Toxic Electronics Phase Out - Support
Summary: Phases out the use of specified hazardous materials in consumer electronics, consistent with European Union ROHs Directive. Status: AB 48 was vetoed by the Governor on October 13.
AB 218 (Saldaña) Toxic Electronics Phase Out - Support
Summary. Phases out the use of specified hazardous materials in consumer electronics, consistent with the European Union's ROHs Directive. Status: AB 218 was held in Sen. Approps.
AB 258 (Krekorian) Plastic Pellet Litter Prevention - Support
Summary: Sets up a task force to monitor and regulate the release of pre-production plastic pellets released into the marine environment. Status: AB 258 was signed into law by Gov. Schwarzenegger on Oct. 14, 2007.
AB 484 (Nava) Recycled Aggregate Base - Support
Summary: AB 484 prohibits the contractors of the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) from disposing concrete in landfills without submitting a report to state that explains why this material was disposed. Status: AB 484 was vetoed by the Governor in October 2007 (read veto message).
AB 546 (Brownley) E-Waste Information - Support
Summary: AB 546 requires retailers and manufacturers to provide information about where to properly dispose of covered electronic devices (CEDs) to customers at point of purchase. Information must include a link to the CIWMB website. Status: AB 546 was vetoed by the Governor on Oct 14, 2007.
AB 548 (Levine) Bringing the Opportunity to Recycle to Every Californian - Support
Summary: Provides a residential recycling opportunity for more than 7.1 million Californians residing in more than 2.4 million multifamily dwelling units. Status: AB 548 was vetoed by Gov. Schwarzenegger on Oct. 14.
AB 712 (de León) $0.50 Tipping Fee Increase - Support
Summary: AB 712 would have added a temporary surcharge of $0.50 per ton to landfill tipping fees to provide a much needed mechanism to prevent and control air pollution emissions from off-road vehicles used in the solid waste and recycling industries. Status: AB 712 was held in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
AB 722 (Levine) Incandescent Light Bulb Ban - Support
Summary: This measure would set energy efficiency standards by specified dates for general service incandescent lamps. Status: AB 722 was moved to the inactive file on June 7. The bill previously passed out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee on a 11-5 vote.
AB 729 (Mullin) E-waste Recycling - Support
Summary: Requires the CIWMB to adopt regulations for the proper and legal donation of covered electronic devices intended for reuse by a nonprofit organization. Status: AB 729 was never heard in policy committee.
AB 820 (Karnette) Polystyrene in State Facilities - Support
Summary: Would have prohibited the use of foamed polystyrene food containers in state facilities. Status: AB 820 was held in the Asm. Appropriations Committee in April 2007.
AB 822 (Levine) Bringing the Opportunity to Recycle to Every Californian - Support
Summary: Provides a residential recycling opportunity for more than 7.1 million Californians residing in more than 2.4 million multifamily dwelling units. Status: AB 822 has been placed on the senate inactive file.
AB 904 (Feuer) Plastic and Marine Debris Reduction - Support
Summary: AB 904 aimed to reduce a primary source of permanent litter and marine debris and increase the diversion of single-use takeout food packaging by requiring that takeout food packaging from fast-food restaurants be made only from recyclable or compostable materials. Status: AB 904 was held by the Senate Appropriations committee.
AB 1075 (Cook) Solid Waste Diversion - Support
Summary: This bill would redefine "composting facility" to include both aerobic and anaerobic composting, including anaerobic digestion. Status: The bill passed the Assembly Natural Resources Committee unanimously and has been placed on the Assembly Consent Calendar.
AB 1109 (Huffman) Lighting Efficiency & Toxics Reduction Act - Support
Summary: This bill, the most comprehensive of its kind in the nation, would require reductions in energy usage for lighting, encourage the use of more efficient lighting technologies, reduce hazardous waste in lighting and increase recycling opportunities. Status: AB 1109 was signed by Gov. Schwarzenegger on October 12, 2007.
AB 1150 (Lieu) Redefining Conversion Technology - Opposed unless amended
Summary: AB 1150 bill would redefine "transformation" as the incineration of solid waste, or the processing of solid waste through a non-cumbustion thermal, chemical, or biological process, as it pertains to source reduction and recycling in the California Integrated Waste Management Act. Status: SB 1150 was gutted and amended.
AB 1193 (Ruskin) Mercury-added Thermostats Collection - Support
Summary: Requires manufacturers to create a collection and recycling program for out-of-service mercury-added thermostats. Status: AB 1193 was held in the Appropriations Committee in May 2007.
AB 1195 (Torrico) Motor Oil Recycling - Support
Summary: AB 1195 would restrict incentive payments to oil that is transported to a certified used oil recycling facility. This bill also sets the used oil incentive payments to a tiered system of no less than 4.5 cents per quart. Status: AB 1195 was held in Senate Approps.
AB 1207 (Smyth) Biosolids - Opposed unless amended
Summary: Requires CIWMB to develop biosolid regulations and voids any ordinance that prohibits any activity allowed by regulations. Status: AB 1207 was never heard in policy committee.
AB 1237 (Hancock) Solid Waste Facilities - Support
Summary: AB 1237 amends current law by reversing the effect of "no action" by board on Solid Waste Facility permits and increases time to act from 60 to 90 days and requires CIWMB and Local Enforcement Agencies to conduct unannounced inspections. Status: AB 1237 was never heard in policy committee.
AB 1390 (Huffman) Solid Waste - Support
Summary: This landmark bill was a combination of various waste reduction, recycling, and composting policies designed to divert more materials from landfills to higher and better uses. Status: AB 1390 was never brought up for a vote on the floor of the Senate.
AB 1447 (Calderon) Appliance Recycling
Summary: Allows appliance service techs to remove refrigerants from major appliances; develops new requirements for non-certified appliance recyclers to transport, deliver or sell a discarded major appliance. Status: CAW is watching this bill. AB 1447 was signed into law by the Governor on Oct. 14, 2007.
AB 1473 (Feuer) Recycling Centers
Summary: Authorizes a solid waste local enforcement agency (LEA) to stay the issuance of a cease and desist order if a source-separated facility meets specified requirements.
Status: Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 1473 Oct. 12, 2007.
AB 1535 (Huffman) E-Waste Recycling Act Expansion - Support
Summary: Expands the 2003 SB 20 E-waste Recycling ARF law to include Personal Computers. Status: AB 1535 was put on hold in the Appropriations Committee on May 31, 2007.
AB 1610 (Núñez) Increase Waste Fee - No position
Summary: Would have increased the tipping fee for waste from $1.40 to $2.00. Status: AB 1610 was gutted and amended.
AB 1879 (Feuer) Green Chemistry - Support
Summary: AB 1879 (Feuer) gives the California Environmental Protection Agency greater authority to regulate toxins in consumer products. Status: AB 1879 was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger Sep 29.
AB 1972 (Desaulnier) Truthful Environmental Advertising for Plastics - Support
Summary: Ensures accurate environmental advertising of plastics by allowing only the use of terms that can be verified by an American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) standard specification. Status: AB 1972 was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger Sep. 27.
AB 2058 / AB 2769 (Levine-Brownley-Davis) Offsetting the Costs of Carryout Bag Litter - Support
Summary: Required a fee be placed on single-use carryout bags distributed at large grocery stores and pharmacies. Status: This bill was denied a Senate floor vote.
AB 2071 (Karnette) Plastic Labelling Enforcement - Support
Summary: Will give enforcement power to local governments to ensure accurate labeling of the compostability of plastic products. Status: AB 2071 was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger Sep. 29.
AB 2347 (Ruskin) Mercury Thermostats Collection - Support
Summary: Requires a manufacturer that sold mercury-added thermostats in this state before January 1, 2006, to establish and maintain a collections and recycling program for out-of-service mercury-added thermostats. Status: CAW Supports. AB 2347 was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger Sep. 29.
AB 2505 (Brownley) PVC Packaging Phase Out - Support
Summary: The bill will prevent human and environmental exposure to toxins, as well as encourage the recycling of consumer packaging, by phasing out the use of toxic, nonrecyclable PVC packaging. Status: AB 2505 was held by Senate Appropriations committee.
AB 2640 (Huffman) Compostable Organics Management - Support
Summary: This bill is intended to promote the highest and best use of organic materials in California. Status: AB 2640 was held in the Senate Appropriations Committee, but was later incorporated into AB 1390.
SB 529 (Migden) Formerly Plastic Container Recycling and Market Development - No Position
Summary: SB 529 originally proposed to update the state's existing Rigid Plastic Packaging Container (RPPC) recycling law in order to increase the utilization of California generated post consumer recycled plastic by creating an incentive and credit trading system. Status: SB 529 has been amended and no longer deals with recycling.
SB 735 (Wiggins) Recycled Aggregate Base - Support
Summary: SB 735 would require the CA Department of Transportation to track the use of recycled materials in its projects. This bill would also require that this information be reported annually, beginning in 2009. Status: SB 735 was vetoed by the Governor.
SB 826 (Padilla) Solid Waste Facilities
Summary: Mitigates environmental justice impacts in disproportionately affected communities in which solid waste facilities are located. Status: SB 826 has been amended and is no longer related to waste.
SB 842 (Scott) Definition of Gasification
Summary: Deletes zero emission requirement in the definition of gasification. Status: CAW opposes unless amended. SB 842 was never heard in policy committee.
SB 898 (Simitian) Solid Waste Clean-Up - Support
Summary: Would have required the CIWMB to authorize several solutions to marine debris, including expending funds to abate illegal disposal sites, prevent waste going into storm drains, and assigning a plastics resin code to biodegradable plastics. Status: SB 898 was gutted and amended by the Assembly Appropriations Committee to carry a bill no longer pertaining to this issue on Aug 30, 2007.
SB 899 (Simitian) Derelict Fishing Gear - Support
Summary: Aims to reduce the littering of and aid in the recovery of derelict fishing gear. Status: SB 899 was vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger Sep 30.
SB 966 (Simitian) Reducing Pharmaceuticals in Waste Stream - Support
Summary: SB 966 would begin the process of establishing a state-wide solution for the growing problem of improper disposal of unused and expired pharmaceutical drugs by creating model disposal programs and requiring the California Integrated Waste Management Board to report back to the legislature on their potential state-wide implementation.
Status: SB 966 was signed by Governor Schwarzenegger Oct. 12, 2007.
SB 1020 (Padilla) Solid Waste Diversion - Support
Summary: Requires the California Integrated Waste Management Board to adopt policies, programs, and incentives to increase statewide waste diversion to 60% by 12/21/2012 and 75% by 2020. Status: SB 1020 was held in the Assembly Appropriations Commityee, but was later incorporated into AB 1390.
SB 1313 (Corbett) Perfluorocarbons in Food Packaging - Support
Summary: Would phase out toxic perfluorocarbons from food packaging by 2010. Status: SB 1313 was vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger Sep. 29.
SB 1625 (Corbett) Updating California's Bottle and Can Recycling Law - Support
Summary: SB 1625 aimed to update California's Bottle and Can Recycling Law by, among other measures, expanding the program to include all plastic bottles. Status: SB 1625 was denied a floor vote in the Assembly.
AB 48 (Saldaña, 2007-08) Toxic Electronics Phase Out
Summary.
Phases out the use of specified hazardous materials in consumer electronics, consistent with European Union ROHs Directive.
Position and Status.
CAW supports. AB 48 was vetoed by the Governor on October 13. AB 48 had passed Assembly Concurrence on Sept 12 with a vote of 44-33 and passed the full Senate with a vote of 22-16 on Sept 11. In 2008, similar language to this bill has been inserted and re-introduced as AB 218.
Description.
In 2003, the legislature adopted SB 20 (Sher), the E-waste Recycling Act, which included a provision establishing a phase out of the use of specified toxic materials in 'covered electronic devices' (CED's), effective January 1, 2007. CED's are currently limited to electronic devices containing a screen larger than 4 inches.
This measure would amend the definition of CED's to include virtually all consumer electronics. AB 48 does exclude fixed installation electrical, or mechanical or both electrical and mechanical devices, including electronic equipment in aeronautical and aerospace applications from the definition of "electronic device." The effective date of the phase out would be January 1, 2010. The proposed definition of CED's and toxic phase out provisions track the requirements ROHS Directive adopted in 2003 by the European Union.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Mark Murray (916) 443-5422
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste (Sponsor)
Alameda County Waste Management Authority (StopWaste.org)
Allied Waste Services
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
Board of Supervisors of Marin County
Mayor Bill Bogaard, City of Pasadena
Breast Cancer Fund
Californians for Alternatives to Toxics
California Association of Environmental Health Administrators
California League of Conservation Voters
California Product Stewardship Council
California Electronic Asset Recovery
California Resource Recovery Association
City of Monterey, Department of Public Works
City of Oakland, Environmental Services Division
City of Santa Monica, Environmental Program Division
City/County of San Francisco Department of the Environment
Computer TakeBack Campaign
CR&R Incorporated
Del Norte Solid Waste Management Authority
Enpo Recycling
Environmental Planning Consultants
Green Sangha
Hidden Resources
Marin County Hazardous and Solid Waste Management Joint Powers Authority
Mojave Desert & Mountain Recycling
Monterey Regional Waste Management District
Napa Recycling & Waste Services, LLC
Napa County, Department of Environmental Management
Natural Resources Defense Council
Northern California Recycling Association
OSS-Spectrum
Panasonic Corporation of North America
Planning and Conservation League
Sierra Club California
Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition
Solid Waste Association of North America
Sonoma County Waste Management Authority
Surfrider Foundation - San Diego Chapter
Sustainable Marin
Tri-CED Community Recycling
Waste Management
AB 218 (Saldaña, 2007-08) Toxic Electronics Phase Out
Summary.
Phases out the use of specified hazardous materials in consumer electronics, consistent with the European Union's ROHs Directive.
Position and Status.
CAW supports. AB 218 was held in Sen. Approps. Previously, the bill passed the Senate Environmental Quality Committee May 12 with a 5-2 vote. The bill will next be heard in the Appropriations Committee June 23.
Description.
In 2003, the legislature adopted SB 20 (Sher), the E-waste Recycling Act, which included a provision establishing a phase out of the use of specified toxic materials in 'covered electronic devices' (CED's), effective January 1, 2007. CED's are currently limited to electronic devices containing a screen larger than 4 inches.
This measure would amend the definition of CED's to include virtually all consumer electronics. AB 218 excludes fixed installation electrical, or mechanical or both electrical and mechanical devices, including electronic equipment in aeronautical and aerospace applications from the definition of "electronic device." The effective date of the phase out would be January 1, 2010. The proposed definition of CED's and toxic phase out provisions track the requirements ROHS Directive adopted in 2003 by the European Union. This means that any substance for which the RoHS Directive prohibits the sale, or offering for sale of in defined electronic equipment, they will also be banned under California's RoHS. AB 218 is similar to the bill CAW sponsored last year, but was unfortunately vetoed, AB 48.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Mark Murray (916) 443-5422
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste (Sponsor)
Allied Waste
Sierra Club
Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition
Media.
"Cleaning Up E-waste." CA Assembly Report Video. April 11, 2008.
AB 258 (Krekorian, 2007-08) Plastic Pellet Litter Prevention
Summary.
Sets up a task force to monitor and regulate the release of preproduction plastic pellets released into the marine environment.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. AB 258 was signed into law by Gov. Schwarzenegger on Oct. 14, 2007.
Description.
Preproduction plastic pellets (called "nurdles") are a large contributor to marine debris and can cause starvation to marine wildlife, as well as other environmental hazards. They are also costly for local governments to clean up under the US EPA's Maximum Daily Load requirements for impaired waterways. AB 258 would task regional and state waterboards to set up a monitoring program to control nurdle loss. The task force would set up fee schedule to pay for the program. It would also task the California Coastal Commission with addressing the issue of marine debris in general, as well as have it set up a multi-agency taskforce to report to California Ocean Protection Council on progress made in terms of marine debris control and prevention.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Mark Murray (916) 443-5422
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste
Algalita Marine Research Foundation
Baykeeper
California League of Conservation Voters
Coastkeeper Alliance
Defenders of Wildlife
Environment California (co-sponsor)
John Garamendi, Lieutenant Governor (co-sponsor)
Heal the Bay (co-sponsor)
Newport Beach Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation
Ocean Conservation Society
Planning and Conservation League
San Diego Coastkeeper (co-sponsor)
Santa Monica Baykeeper
Sierra Club California
Opposition.
Stop Hidden Taxes Coalition
AB 484 (Nava, 2007-08) Recycled Aggregate Base
Summary.
AB 484 prohibits the contractors of the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) from disposing concrete in landfills without submitting a report to state that explains why this material was disposed.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. AB 484 was vetoed by the Governor in October 2007. The bill passed the Senate with a 23-12 vote and the Assembly with a 46-28 vote.
Description.
Construction and demolition debris makes up 22% of the state's waste stream. Much of this material is highly recyclable and nearly 2.7 million tons (over one-fifth of the construction and demolition waste) could be reused for highway construction and repair. The concrete, rocks, and asphalt that currently go into landfills could be used to save the state money and virgin resources on road projects. Recycling this material would help cities meet or exceed their 50% diversion requirement under the Integrated Waste Management Act (AB 939).
AB 484 requires that Caltrans' contractors recycle concrete waste instead of disposing it in landfills.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Nick Lapis (916) 443-5422
Supporters.
Bloomstine & Bloomstine
CR&R
AB 546 (Brownley, 2007-08) E-Waste Information
Summary.
AB 546 requires retailers and manufacturers to provide information about where to properly dispose of covered electronic devices (CEDs) to customers at point of purchase. Information must include a link to the CIWMB website.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. AB 546 was vetoed by the Governor on Oct 14, 2007. Previously, the bill passed the full Senate September 4 on a 22-17 vote. and passed out of the full Assembly on May 31 on a 42-22 vote.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Mark Murray (916) 443-5422
Supporters.
California Alliance for Consumer Protection
Opposition.
American Electronic Association
California Chamber of Commerce
California Retailers Association
Department of Finance
AB 548 (Levine, 2007-08) Bringing the Opportunity to Recycle to Every Californian
Summary.
Provides a residential recycling opportunity for more than 7.1 million Californians residing in more than 2.4 million multifamily dwelling units.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. AB 548 was vetoed by Gov. Schwarzenegger on Oct. 14. Previously, it passed the Assembly on concurrence of Senate amendments September 4 with a 50-26 vote and passed the Senate Floor with a 21-13 vote on July 2. In 2008, the language for this bill has been inserted and re-introduced as AB 822.
Description.
California as a whole currently diverts more than 50 percent of its generated waste, with only an estimated 15% of waste generated at multifamily dwellings being diverted.
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.
AB 548 will require that an owner of a multifamily dwelling to arrange appropriate recycling services for the dwelling on and after July 1, 2008. The bill also defines a multifamily dwelling as a residential building which consists of five or more units.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Mark Murray (916) 443-5422
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste (Sponsor)
Allied Waste Services
Assemblymember Jose Solorio
BFI Waste Services
California Association of Local Conservation Corps
California League of Conservation Voters
California State Association of Counties
California Refuse Removal Council
California Resource Recovery Association
City of Oakland, Environmental Services Department
City of Monterey, Dept. of Public Works
City of San Diego, City Attorney's Office
City/County of San Francisco Department of the Environment
Del Norte Solid Waste Management Authority
East Bay Conservation Corps
EcologyAction
El Cajon City Council/Redevelopment Agency
Councilmember Donna Frye, City of San Diego
Councilmember Steve Castaneda, City of Chula Vista
Global Recycling Council
Hidden Resources
Institute for Scrap Recycling Industries
Lake County
Vice Mayor Bonnie Lowenthal, City of Long Beach
Ma foret en Cote-d'Ivoire
Mojave Desert & Mountain Recycling
Napa County, Department of Environmental Management
Napa Recycling & Waste Services
Natural Resources Defense Council
Norcal Waste Systems
Northern California Recycling Association
Orange County Conservation Corps
Planning and Conservation League
Mayor Emily Reilly, City of Santa Cruz
Mayor Tony Santos, City of San Leandro
San Francisco Conservation Corps
Sierra Club California
Solid Waste Association of North America
StopWaste.Org (Alameda Co. Waste Management Authority)
Surfrider Foundation (San Diego Chapter)
Urban Corps of San Diego
Watergate Community Association
AB 712 (de León, 2007-08) $0.50 Tipping Fee Increase
Summary.
AB 712 would have added a temporary surcharge of $0.50 per ton to landfill tipping fees to provide a much needed mechanism to prevent and control air pollution emissions from off-road vehicles used in the solid waste and recycling industries.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. AB 712 was held in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Description.
AB 712 will ensure that dedicated funds are available to immediately implement the new retrofit rule and will encourage operators to select more effective technologies for reducing particulate and other harmful emissions. The failure to implement this measure will result in the retrofitting of vehicles with less efficient technologies.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Nick Lapis (916) 443-5422
Supporters.
Allied Waste Industries
American Lung Association
Californians Against Waste
California League of Conservation Voters
Environmental Defense
Waste Management
Opposition.
California Refuse Removal Council
California State Association of Counties
Department of Finance
Kern County Board of Supervisors
League of California Cities
Los Angeles County
Solid Waste Management Committee/Integrated Waste Management Task Force
Regional Council of Rural Counties,
Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County
AB 722 (Levine, 2007-08) Incandescent Light Bulb Ban
Summary.
This measure would set energy efficiency standards by specified dates for general service incandescent lamps.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. AB 722 was moved to the inactive file on June 7. The bill previously passed out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee on a 11-5 vote.
Description.
AB 722 was recently amended to require general service incandescent lamps sold in the state to meet specified ranges of lumen output to meet a minimum energy efficiency standard of a specified lumens per watt. The deadlines range from 2010 to 2016, where a lamp with a lumen output of between 729 and 340, the lamp must achieve 40 lumens per watt.
CAW is sponsoring a similar bill in 2007, AB 1109.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Mark Murray (916) 443-5422
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste (Support Intent)
AFSCME
Opposition.
Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
California Family Council
California State Floral Association (CSFA)
California Seed Association (CSA)
AB 729 (Mullin, 2007-08) E-waste Recycling
Summary.
Requires the CIWMB to adopt regulations for the proper and legal donation of covered electronic devices intended for reuse by a nonprofit organization.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. AB 729 was never heard in policy committee. It was introduced February 22, 2007.
AB 820 (Karnette, 2007-08) Polystyrene in State Facilities
Summary.
Would have prohibited the use of foamed polystyrene food containers in state facilities.
Position and Status.
CAW Supported. AB 820 was held in the Asm. Appropriations Committee in April 2007. Previously it passed out of the Asm. Nat. Resources with a 5-3 vote.
Description.
Foamed polystyrene food packaging is one of the most problematic and voluminous components of marine debris. AB 820 would have prohibited the use of this material in food packaging in state facilities, with the exemption of prisons and mental hospitals.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Mark Murray (916) 443-5422
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste (Sponsor)
Algalita Marine Research Foundation
Baykeeper
California League of Conservation Voters
Coastkeeper Alliance
Defenders of Wildlife
Heal the Bay
Newport Beach Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation
Ocean Conservation Society
Planning and Conservation League
Santa Monica Baykeeper
Sierra Club California
The California Alliance for Consumer Protection
Opposition.
American Chemistry Council
California Chamber of Commerce
California Grocers Association
California Manufacturers and Technology Association
California Restaurant Association
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company
Dart Container Corporation
Dolco Packaging
Grocery Manufacturers Association/Food Products Association
INEOS Styrenics
PWP Industries
AB 822 (Levine, 2007-08) Bringing the Opportunity to Recycle to Every Californian
Summary.
Provides a residential recycling opportunity for more than 7.1 million Californians residing in more than 2.4 million multifamily dwelling units.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. AB 822 has been placed on the senate inactive file. Previously, the bill passed out of Sen. Environmental Quality June 23 with a 5-2 vote and passed out of the Assembly Floor with a 47-26 vote on January 22.
Description.
California as a whole currently diverts more than 50 percent of its generated waste, with only an estimated 15% of waste generated at multifamily dwellings being diverted.
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.
AB 822 will require that an owner of a multifamily dwelling to arrange appropriate recycling services for the dwelling on and after July 1, 2009. The bill is identical to the one CAW sponsored last year, AB 548, which was vetoed by the Governor.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Mark Murray (916) 443-5422
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste (Sponsor)
City and County of San Francisco Department of the Environment
Opposition.
California Apartment Association
AB 904 (Feuer, 2007-08) Plastic and Marine Debris Reduction
Summary.
AB 904 aimed to reduce a primary source of permanent litter and marine debris and increase the diversion of single-use takeout food packaging by requiring that takeout food packaging from fast-food restaurants be made only from recyclable or compostable materials.
Position and Status.
CAW Supported. AB 904 was held by the Senate Appropriations committee. Previously, AB 904 passed out of Sen. E.Q. committee June 23 with a 5-2 vote, passed out of the Assembly Jan 29 42-28, passed out of Asm. Appropriations Committee May 31 2007 and out of the Asm. Nat. Resources Committee on a 5-3 vote on April 23 2007.
Description.
Takeout food packaging comprises a disproportionately large portion of litter and non-recyclable waste. Analyses suggest that the fast food sector generates roughly 4 million tons of waste in California annually. There is currently virtually no recycling of polystyrene and most other plastic take-out food packaging. The cost to California local governments and ratepayers for collecting and disposing of Fast Food Sector waste is as much as $600 million annually. Takeout food packaging has been found to be second greatest component of litter (behind tobacco products), comprising 20-30% of all litter. AB 904 proposed to address the problem of takeout food packaging litter and waste by requiring takeout food distributors to utilize packaging that is compatible with the recycling and composting options available and by creating incentives for packaging manufacturers to design for the environment and support the development of infrastructure and markets for the recycling or their products
CAW Staff Contacts.
Mark Murray (916) 443-5422
Current Actions.
No current actions on this bill.
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste (Sponsor)
Environment California
Heal the Bay
City of Los Angeles
Algalita Marine Research Foundation
Alameda County Waste Management Authority
Baykeeper
California Alliance for Consumer Protection
California League of Conservation Voters
Cereplast
City of Santa Cruz Public Works Department
Coastkeeper Alliance
Defenders of Wildlife
End Oil
EnPo Environmental Powered Recycling
Newport Beach Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation
Ocean Conservation Society
Planning and Conservation League
Santa Monica Baykeeper
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority
Sierra Club California
Breast Cancer Fund
CalCoast
California Alliance for Consumer Protection
Natural Resources Defense Council
Ocean Conservation Society
Opposition.
American Chemistry Council
California Chamber of Commerce
California Grocers Association
California Hotel and Lodging Association
California Manufacturers and Technology Association
California Retailers Association
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company
Dart Container Corporation
Dolco Packaging
Grocery Manufacturers Association/Food Products Association
Pactive
Total Petrochemical USA, Inc.
Western Fairs Association
AB 1075 (Cook, 2007-08) Solid Waste Diversion
Summary.
This bill would redefine "composting facility" to include both aerobic and anaerobic composting, including anaerobic digestion.
Position and Status.
CAW supports. The bill passed the Assembly Natural Resources Committee unanimously and has been placed on the Assembly Consent Calendar.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Nick Lapis (916) 443-5422
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste
AB 1109 (Huffman, 2007-08) Lighting Efficiency & Toxics Reduction Act
Summary.
This bill, the most comprehensive of its kind in the nation, would require reductions in energy usage for lighting, encourage the use of more efficient lighting technologies, reduce hazardous waste in lighting and increase recycling opportunities.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. AB 1109 was signed by Gov. Schwarzenegger on October 12, 2007.
Description.
AB 1109 would task the California Energy Commission with reducing lighting energy usage in indoor residences and state facilities by no less than 50%, by 2018, as well as require a 25% reduction in commercial facilities by that same date. To achieve these efficiency levels, the California Energy Commission would apply its existing appliance efficiency standards to include lighting products, as well as require minimum lumen/watt standards for different categories of lighting products. The bill would also expand existing incentives for energy efficient lighting.
As part of its hazardous waste component, the bill would require manufactures to reduce the levels of toxins in lighting products, such as mercury in fluorescent and lead in incandescents, consistent with requirements already in place in the European Union. Additionally, the bill would require the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) to create a task force to make recommendations to be delivered to the Legislature by September 1, 2008 on the most effective and cost-effective method for collecting and recycling end-of-life light bulbs, educating consumers about recycling and packaging and labeling regarding proper management of recycling light bulbs.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Mark Murray (916) 443-5422
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste (Sponsor)
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
Association of Lighting and Mercury Recyclers (with amendments)
California Product Stewardship Council
CalPirg
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
Environmental Defense
Friends of the Earth
Marin County Hazardous & Solid Waste Management Joint Powers Authority
Natural Resources Defense Council
North American Hazardous Materials Management Association - CA Chapter
OSRAM Sylvania, Inc.
Philips Electronics (with amendments)
Redding Municipal Utilities
Sacramento Municipal Utility District
San Diego County
Sierra Club California
Sonoma County Waste Management Agency
Southern California Edison
StopWaste.Org
The Utility Reform Network (TURN)
Waste Management
(Organizations in green have submitted letters to the Governor)
Opposition.
CA Chamber of Commerce
Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
AB 1150 (Lieu, 2007-08) Redefining Conversion Technology
Summary.
AB 1150 bill would redefine "transformation" as the incineration of solid waste, or the processing of solid waste through a noncumbustion thermal, chemical, or biological process, as it pertains to source reduction and recycling in the California Integrated Waste Mamangement Act.
Position and Status.
CAW opposed unless amended. SB 1150 was gutted and amended.
Description.
"Transformation" is currently defined as meaning incineration, pyrolysis, distillation, or biological conversion other than composting.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Nick Lapis (916) 443-5422
Opposition.
Californians Against Waste (unless amended).
AB 1193 (Ruskin, 2007-08) Mercury-added Thermostats Collection
Summary.
Requires manufacturers to create a collection and recycling program for out-of-service mercury-added thermostats.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. AB 1193 was held in the Appropriations Committee in May 2007. Previously, it passed out of the Asm. Committee on Environmental Safety & Toxic Materials on April 17 with a 5-2 vote. In 2008, the bill was re-introduced as AB 2347.
Supporters.
Sierra Club
Californians Against Waste
AB 1195 (Torrico, 2007-08) Motor Oil Recycling
Summary.
AB 1195 would restrict incentive payments to oil that is transported to a certified used oil recycling facility. This bill also sets the used oil incentive payments to a tiered system of no less than 4.5 cents per quart.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. AB 1195 was held in Senate Approps. Previously, the bill passed out of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee July 10 with a 5-2 vote.
Description.
Currently, the CIWMB is required to pay a recycling incentive to specified entities for the collection of used oil that is transported to a used oil recycling facility and to an electric utility for using used oil that meets specified requirements for electrical generation.
AB 1195 would instead prohibit incentive payments for any used oil that is burned or used for energy recovery that doesn't meet purity standards for recycled oil. It also allows the Integrated Waste Management Board to set the recycling incentive amount at no less than $0.045 per quart of used oil recycled into re-refined lubricating oil. AB 1195 also requires used oil to be tested and analyzed by an accredited lab to meet certified standards for recycled oil.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Mark Murray (916) 443-5422
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste (Co-sponsor)
Evergreen Oil, Inc. (Co-sponsor)
Coast Oil Company
Sierra Club California
Opposition.
Independent Waste Oil Collectors and Transporters
AB 1207 (Smyth, 2007-08) Biosolids
Summary.
Requires CIWMB to develop biosolid regulations and voids any ordinance that prohibits any activity allowed by regulations.
Position and Status.
CAW opposed unless amended. AB 1207 was never heard in policy committee. Previously, AB 1207 was introduced February 23, 2007.
Description.
CAW Staff Contact.
Nick Lapis (916) 443-5422
Opponents.
Californians Against Waste (unless amended)
AB 1237 (Hancock, 2007-08) Solid Waste Facilities
Summary.
AB 1237 ammends current law by reversing the effect of "no action" by board on Solid Waste Facility permits and increases time to act from 60 to 90 days and requires CIWMB and Local Enforcement Agencies to conduct unannounced inspections.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. AB 1237 was never heard in policy committee.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Nick Lapis (916) 443-5422
AB 1390 (Huffman, 2007-08) Solid Waste
Summary.
This landmark bill was a combination of various waste reduction, recycling, and composting policies designed to divert more materials from landfills to higher and better uses.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. AB 1390 was never brought up for a vote on the floor of the Senate.
Description.
AB 1390 presents a package of policies that will move California forward from landfilling to waste reduction, recycling, and composting, by increasing the local government diversion requirement to 60% and establishing a statewide diversion goal of 75%. AB 1390 will also provide the tools necessary for local governments and the CIWMB to achieve these requirements through a commercial recycling program, an organics management incentive program, an illegal dumping program and additional funding for the CIWMB.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Nick Lapis (916) 443-5422
Supporters.
Alameda County Waste Management Authority
Allied Waste
California League of Conservation Voters
Californians Against Waste
Center for Biological Diversity
City of San Francisco
City of San Jose
Coalition for Clean Air
NorCal Waste Systems
Northern California Recyclers Association
Planning and Conservation League
Sierra Club California
Waste Management
Opposition.
BioEnergy Producers Association
Sempra Energy
Solid Waste Association of North America
Solid Waste Solutions, Inc.
AB 1447 (Calderon, 2007-08) Appliance Recycling
Summary.
Allows appliance service techs to remove refrigerants from major appliances; develops new requirements for non-certified appliance recyclers to transport, deliver or sell a discarded major appliance.
Position and Status.
CAW is watching this bill. AB 1447 was signed into law by the Governor on Oct. 14, 2007.
Description.
Existing laws regarding hazardous wastes prohibits anyone who is not a certified appliance recycler from removing materials that require special handling from major appliances, and prohibits the transportation, delivery, or sale of discarded major appliances to a scrap recycling facility, except as specified.
CAW Staff Contact: Mark Murray, (916) 443-5422
Supporters:
ISRI (Sponsor)
AB 1473 (Feuer, 2007-08) Recycling Centers
Summary.
Authorizes a solid waste local enforcement agency (LEA) to stay the issuance of a cease-and-desist order if a source-separated facility meets specified requirements.
Position and Status.
Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 1473 Oct. 12, 2007.
CAW Staff Contact.
Nick Lapis (916) 443-5422
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
Los Angeles
Opponents.
California Refuse Removal Council
East Bay Sanitary Company
Gilton Recovery/Transfer Facility, Inc.
Mission Trail Waste Systems
Palo Verde Valley Disposal Service
Pena Disposal, Inc.
Solano Garbage Company
Varner Bros., Inc.
South San Francisco Scavenger Company, Inc.
Taormina Industries
Tracy Delta Solid Waste Management, Inc.
AB 1535 (Huffman, 2007-08) E-Waste Recycling Act Expansion
Summary.
Expands the 2003 SB 20 E-waste Recycling ARF law to include Personal Computers.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. AB 1535 was put on hold in the Appropriations Committee on May 31, 2007. The bill previously passed out of the Asm. Committee on Environmental Safety & Toxic Materials on Apr 24 with a 5-2 vote.
Description.
In 2003, the legislature adopted SB 20 (Sher), the E-waste Recycling Act, which established a $6-10 advanced recycling fee on all Covered Electronic Devices (CEDs). Under current CED definition, only CRT-containing devices, including computers monitors, LCD televisions and monitors, plasma TVs, and laptop computers are covered. AB 1535 will extend this law to include all personal computers that contain Computer Processing Units (CPUs), which consumers will pay a $6 recycling fee.
CAW Staff Contact.
Mark Murray (916) 443-5422
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste (Sponsor)
Electronic Recyclers
Goodwill of Southern California
League of California Cities
Organization for Strategic Studies, Inc.
Sierra Club
Sonoma County Waste Management Agency
Sony Electronics
StopWaste.Org (Alameda Co. Waste Management Authority)
Waste Management
Opponents.
American Electronics Association
CA Chamber of Commerce
CA Retailers Association
Coalition of Independent Recyclers
Hewlett-Packard
Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
AB 1610 (Núñez, 2007-08) Increase Waste Fee
Summary.
Would have increased the tipping fee for waste from $1.40 to $2.00.
Position and Status.
CAW does not have a position on this bill. AB 1610 was gutted and amended.
AB 1879 (Feuer, 2007-08) Green Chemistry
Summary.
AB 1879 (Feuer) gives the California Environmental Protection Agency greater authority to regulate toxins in consumer products.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. AB 1879 was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger Sep 29. Previously, AB 1879 passed an Assembly concurrence vote Aug 31 with a 64-12 vote, passed off the Senate floor Aug 25 with a 24-13 vote, passed out of Senate Approps. Aug 7 with a 8-6 vote, passed out of Sen. EQ June 23 with a 5-2 vote, passed off the Assembly floor May 29 with a 47-29 vote, passed out of Assembly Approps. May 22 with a 12-5 vote, passed out of Asm. Health April 15 with a 12-5 vote, and passed out of ESTM April 8 with a 5-2 vote.
Description.
AB 1879 would increase regulatory authority over chemicals in consumer products. The bill would accomplish this by, among other things, creating an advisory panel of scientists to guide research in chemical policy, establishing regulation for assessing alternatives, and setting up an internet database of research on toxins.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Mark Murray (916) 443-5422
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste
Asian Law Caucus
BIOCOM
Breast Cancer Fund
CA Association of Professional Scientists
California League of Conservation Voters
California Product Stewardship Council
Catholic Healthcare West
Chemical Industry Council of California
Coalition for Clean Air
DuPont Company
Environment California
Environmental Defense Fund
Grocery Manufacturers Association
Natural Resources Defense Council
Planning and Conservation League
Sierra Club California
Opposition.
American Electronics Association
Ford
AB 1972 (Desaulnier, 2007-08) Truthful Environmental Advertising for Plastics
Summary.
Ensures accurate environmental advertising of plastics by allowing only the use of terms that can be verified by an American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) standard specification.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. AB 1972 was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger Sep. 27. Previously, AB 1972 passed its assembly concurrence vote Aug 13 60-15, passed off the Senate floor Aug 11 with a 23-9 vote, out of Sen. E.Q. committee June 23 with a 6-1 vote, passed off the Assembly Floor unanimously April 14 and out of Asm. Natural Resources April 7 with a unanimous vote.
Description.
Many plastic bags and containers currently exist in the marketplace that falsely claim to be "biodegradable" or "degradable" even though no ASTM standard specification exists for these terms and these bags do not even degrade in a composting environment. These false claims harm consumers and retailers and hamper efforts to encourage recycling and composting of packaging. AB 1972 would prohibit the use of nebulous, false claims like "biodegradable" in plastic packaging by requiring that environmental claims can only be made if the terms used are verified by an exisiting ASTM standard specification.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Tony Hackett (916) 443-5422
Supporters.
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO
California Film Extruders & Converters
Californians Against Waste
Association Cereplast Inc.
Heritage Bag Company
Huhtamaki Foodservice
Opposition.
Oxo-Biodegradable Plastic Alliance
AB 2058 / AB 2769 (Levine-Brownley-Davis, 2007-08) Offsetting the Costs of Carryout Bag Litter
Summary.
Required a fee be placed on single-use carryout bags distributed at large grocery stores and pharmacies.
Position and Status.
CAW Supported.This bill was denied a Senate floor vote. Previously, AB 2769 was amended Aug 22. AB 2058 is on the Sen. Approps. suspense file. Previously, AB 2058 passed out of Sen. E.Q. committee June 23 with a 5-2 vote, passed out of the Assembly with a 42-30 vote May 28, passed out of Assembly Appropriations May 22, and passed out of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee April 14 with a 5-3 vote.
Description.
This bill would offset the environmental costs associated with single-use carryout bags litter, reduce the littering of plastic bags and incentivize the use of reusable bags. Plastic bags are among the most-often littered items in urban areas. Urban litter accounts for the vast majority of dangerous marine debris pollution. In some areas of the Pacific, plastic already outweighs plankton by a factor of 46! The bill would put a fee on all single-use carryout bags which can be avoided by consumers by using reusable bags. A similar approach in Ireland reduced plastic bag usage by over 90%. Consumers are currently paying for the costs of bag litter twice: first in the form of increased grocery costs to pay for the bags and second in taxes to fight litter. The bill would potentially reduce costs to consumers through grocery bills and taxes by decreasing bag usage and providing local governments with money to fight litter.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Mark Murray (916) 443-5422
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste (Sponsor)
Heal the Bay (Sponsor)
LA County (Sponsor)
Sierra Club
California League of Conservation Voters
Surfrider Foundation
California Coastal Coalition
Northern California Recycling Association
Ballona Creek Renaissance
Chicobag
City and County of San Francisco Department of the Environment
City of Oakland
City of Manhattan Beach
Alameda County Waste Management Authority
Sonoma County Waste Management Agency
AB 2071 (Karnette, 2007-08) Plastic Labelling Enforcement
Summary.
Will give enforcement power to local governments to ensure accurate labelling of the compostablility of plastic products.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. AB 2071 was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger Sep. 29. Previously, the bill passed an Assembly concurrence vote Aug 28 with a 76-1 vote, passed off the Senate Floor Aug 20 with a 24-11, passed out of the Sen. Judiciary committee June 24 with a 4-1 vote, was voted off the Assembly Floor May 19 with a 73-1 vote, passed out of Asm. Judiciary with a unanimous vote April 15 and passed out of Asm. Natural Resources April 7 with a unanimous vote.
Description.
Municipalities that have invested thousands in residential composting rely upon accurate labeling of plastic bag compostability. Currently, however, many plastic products are mislabeled as "compostable" or "biodegradable" even though they do not meet American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards, as required by law. AB 2071 would give local governments authority to fine companies that mislabel their products.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Tony Hackett, 916-443-5422
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste (Sponsor)
Biodegradable Products Institute
California Film Extruders & Converters Association
Cereplast
Sierra Club California
AB 2347 (Ruskin, 2007-08) Mercury Thermostats Collection
Summary.
Requires a manufacturer that sold mercury-added thermostats in this state before January 1, 2006, to establish and maintain a collections and recycling program for out-of-service mercury-added thermostats.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. AB 2347 was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger Sep. 29. Previously, the measure passed out of the Senate Aug. 18 with a 26-13 vote, the full Assembly April 21 with a 47-28 vote, Asm. Appropriations Committee with a vote of 12-5 and the Asm. Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee April 1 with a 5-0 vote.
Description.
Mercury thermostats should be kept out of our air and water because on average they contain over 3,000 milligrams of the toxin. It is estimated that only 5 percent of California's mercury thermostats are properly managed.
The bill would require a collection and recycling program for out-of-service mercury-added thermostats, meeting certain requirements, to be established on and after April 1, 2009. AB 2347 would require a wholesaler that has a physical location in the state, to act as a collection site for out-of-service mercury-added thermostats.
CAW Staff Contact.
Mark Murray (916) 443-5422
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste
CA Product Stewardship Council (co-sponsor)
Sierra Club California (co-sponsor)
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Association
Association of Bay Area Governments
Bakersfield Memorial Hospital
Board of Supervisors of Marin County
Board of Supervisors County of Santa Clara
California Association of Sanitation Agencies
California Association of Environmental Health Administrators
California State Association of Counties
California Retailers Association
Catholic Healthcare West
Center for Environmental Health Oakland
Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority
Clean Water Action
City & County of San Francisco
City of El Cerrito
City of Oakland
City of Palo Alto
City of San Jose
City of Santa Monica
City of Sunnyvale
City of Union City
County of Sacramento
County of Napa, Department of Environmental Management
County of Yolo Board of Supervisors
Del Norte Solid Waste Management Authority
Dominican Hospital (Santa Cruz)
East Bay Municipal Utility District
Electronics Takeback Coalition
Honeywell Inc.
League of California Cities
Marin County Hazardous and Solid Waste Management Joint Powers Authority
Marin Medical Center
Mark Twain St. Joseph's Hospital (San Andreas)
Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
Mercy Medical Center Redding
Mercy San Juan Medical Center (Carmichael)
Natural Resources Defense Council
The Northern California Recycling Association
Planning and Conservation League
Regional Council of Rural Counties
San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments
San Luis Obispo County IWMA
Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital (Grass Valley)
Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition
Sonoma County Waste Management Facility
St. Elizabeth Community Hospital (Red Bluff)
St. Mary's Medical Center (San Francisco)
St. Joseph's Medical Center (Stockton)
AB 2640 (Huffman, 2007-08) Compostable Organics Management
Summary.
This bill is intended to promote the highest and best use of organic materials in California.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. AB 2640 was held in the Senate Appropriations Committee but was later incorporated into AB 1390. Previously, the bill passed out of Sen. E.Q. committee June 23 with a 4-3 vote. Prior to that, the bill passed off the Assembly Floor May 28, passed out of Assembly Appropriations May 22, and passed out of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee on April 14th with a 5-3 vote.
Description.
AB 2640 would help expand the state’s composting infrastructure by providing grants for facility operators to overcome regulatory barriers. The money for these grants would be generated through a fee on the use of green materials as landfill cover, a practice that has significant environmental impacts.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Nick Lapis (916) 443-5422
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste
California Association of Professional Scientists
California Compost Coalition
California Refuse Removal Council
California Resource Recovery Association
City of Azusa
City of Oakland
GW Green Waste
Marin Sanitary Service
Mojave Desert and Mountain Recycling
Norcal Waste Systems, Inc.
Northern California Recycling Association
Rethink Waste (South Bayside Waste Management Authority)
Sonoma Compost Co., LLC
StopWaste.Org (Alameda County Waste Management Authority)
Waste Management
Z-Best Products
Zanker Road Resource Management
Opposition.
Athens Services
City of Alhambra
City of Artesia
City of Desert Hot Springs
City of El Segundo
City of Pomona
City of West Covina
Consolidated Disposal Services
CR&R Incorporated
Desert Valley Disposal, Inc.
Inland Empire Disposal Association
Lassen Regional Solid Waste Management Authority
Palm Springs Disposal Services
Rainbow Disposal Co., Inc.
Regional County of Rural Counties
Republic Services
Richmond Sanitary Service
San Gabriel Valley County of Governments
Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County
Solid Waste Association of North America
Solid Waste Association of Orange County
SWAOC
Taormina Industries
Varner Bros., Inc.
AB 2505 (Brownley, 2007-08) PVC Packaging Phase Out
Summary.
The bill will prevent human and environmental exposure to toxins, as well as encourage the recycling of consumer packaging, by phasing out the use of toxic, nonrecyclable PVC packaging.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. AB 2505 was held by Senate Appropriations committee. Previously the bill passed out of Sen. E.Q. committee June 23 with a 5-2 vote, passed off the Assembly floor May 28 with a 42-33 vote, passed out of Assembly Appropriations committee May 22 with a 12-5 vote, and passed out of the Asm. Environmental Safety & Toxic Materials committee on April 15 with a 5-2 vote.
Description.
PVC packaging is a human health and an environmental threat. PVC packaging is toxic in all stages of its lifecycle. PVC production involves large amounts of dangerous chlorine gas, as well as vinyl chloride, a dangerous carcinogen. PVC production is responsible for at least one superfund site in California and studies have linked it with high cancer rates. In the home, PVC packaging can leach its many toxins through contact with the mouth, and may also shed these particles into the air to be inhaled. These include phthalates, which mimic human hormones and cause abnormal growth and heavy metals such as Lead and Cadmium, which cause brain damage in very small amounts. Once disposed, PVC packaging is not recycled. In fact, PVC packaging is a potent and expensive contaminant in the recycling streams of other, nontoxic plastic packaging, preventing municipalities from recycling more. When landfilled or littered PVC packaging leaches its toxins into the surrounding toxins. Recognizing the dangers these leached toxins pose to wildlife, the California Ocean Protection Council, an organization created by Governor Schwarzenegger, called for the banning of vinyl chloride packaging. AB 2505 would phase out the use of PVC consumer packaging beginning 2013 and concluding 2015.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Tony Hackett, 916-443-5422
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste (Sponsor)
Advocates for Environmental Human Rights
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
Breast Cancer Fund
Center for Environmental Health
Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ)
City and County of San Francisco Department of Environment
City of Oakland
Clean Water Action
Environment California
Environmental Health Fund
Grass Roots Recycling Network
Global PET Recycling
Glynn Environmental Coalition
Greenpeace
Heal the Bay
Healthy Child Healthy World
Making Our Milk Safe (MOMS)
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
Sierra Club
Opposition.
American Chemistry Council
American Electronics Association (Removed Opposition)
Architectural Plastics, Inc.
California Business Properties Association
California Chamber of Commerce
California Film Extruder and Converters Association
California Grocers Association
California Manufacturers and Technology Association
California League of Food Processors (Removed Opposition)
California Restaurant Association
California Retailers Association (Removed Opposition)
Carson Manufacturing Company
Chemistry Industry council of California
Clorox (Removed Opposition)
Composite Corporation
Consumer Specialty Products Association
Industrial Environmental Association
George Fischer Piping Systems
MGM Plastics, Inc.
PVC Tech Corp
SPI
Toy Industry Association
Western States Petroleum Association
SB 529 (Migden, 2007-08) Formerly Plastic Container Recycling and Market Development
Summary.
SB 529 originally proposed to update the state's existing Rigid Plastic Packaging Container (RPPC) recycling law in order to increase the utilization of California generated post consumer recycled plastic by creating an incentive and credit trading system.
Position and Status.
CAW has no position on the current language of this bill. SB 529 has been amended and no longer deals with recycling.
SB 735 (Wiggins, 2007-08) Recycled Aggregate Base
Summary.
SB 735 would require the CA Department of Transportation to track the use of recycled materials in its projects. This bill would also require that this information be reported annually, beginning in 2009.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. SB 735 was vetoed by the Governor. The bill passed the Senate with a 24-15 vote and the Assembly with a 43-28 vote.
Description.
Currently, construction and demolition debris makes up 22% of the state's waste stream. Much of this material is highly recyclable and nearly 2.7 million tons (22% of the construction and demolition waste) could be reused for highway construction and repair. The concrete, rocks, and asphalt that currently go into landfills could be used to save the state money and virgin resources on road projects. Recycling this material would help cities meet or exceed their 50% diversion requirement under the Integrated Waste Management Act.
The Department of Transportation is also currently under a mandate to utilize recycled materials in its projects when they are cost effective given lifespan, durability, and maintenance costs. This bill would allow the California public to adequately assess Caltrans' efforts to incorporate recycled construction and demolition debris into its highway projects.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Tony Hackett (916) 443-5422
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
Asphalt Pavement Association
Burrtec Waste Industries, Inc.
California Refuse Removal Council
Construction Materials Recycling Association of Southern CA
Sierra Club California
SB 826 (Padilla, 2007-08) Solid Waste Facilities
Summary.
Mitigates environmental justice impacts in disproportionately affected communities in which solid waste facilities are located.
Position and Status.
SB 826 has been amended and is no longer related to waste.
Description.
The CA Integrated Waste Management Board will be required to adopt state minimum standards to identify and mitigate environmental justice impacts in disproportionately affected communities in which solid waste facilities are located, including providing advance notice regarding permitting or enforcement, and specified mitigation measures.
CAW Staff Contact.
Mark Murray, 916-443-5422
Supporters.
Sierra Club California
Californians Against Waste
SB 842 (Scott, 2007-08) Definition of Gasification
Summary.
Deletes zero emission requirement in the definition of gasification.
Position and Status.
CAW opposes unless amended. SB 842 was never heard in policy committee. It was introduced February 23, 2007.
SB 898 (Simitian, 2007-08) Solid Waste Clean-Up
Summary.
Would have required the CIWMB to authorize several solutions to marine debris, including expending funds to abate illegal disposal sites, prevent waste going into storm drains, and assigning a plastics resin code to biodegradable plastics.
Position and Status.
CAW Supported. SB 898 was gutted and amended by the Assembly Approprations Committee to carry a bill no longer pertaining to this issue on Aug 30, 2007.
Description.
Addressed some of the most pressing causes of marine debris, as well as addressed components of the 2007 February California Ocean Protection Council Resolution, by authorizing CIWMB to expend funds to abate illegal disposal sites and the prevention of waste into storm drains, making PLA biodegradable plastics more easily identified by assigning them a "0" plastics resin code, and by authorizing the CIWMB to coordinate with state agencies in order to aid in the removal of derelict fishing gear.
CAW Staff Contact.
Mark Murray (916) 443-5422
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees AFL-CIO
Ballona Creek Renaissance
Breast Cancer Fund
California Coastkeeper Alliance
Defenders of Wildlife
Earth Resource Foundation
Earth Share California
Ocean Conservancy
Planning and Conservation League
San Diego Coastkeeper
Santa Monica Baykeeper
Southern California Watershed Alliance
Surfrider Foundation (Newport Beach Chapter, San Diego Chapter)
SB 899 (Simitian, 2007-08) Derelict Fishing Gear
Summary.
Aims to reduce the littering of and aid in the recovery of derelict fishing gear.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. SB 899 was vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger Sep 30. Previously, the bill passed off the Senate floor August 21 with a 27-9 vote, passed out of Sen NRW August 20 with a 6-1 vote, passed off the Assembly floor August 13 with a 53-23 vote, passed out of Assembly Appropriations Aug 7, and passed out of Asm. Water Parks and Wild., June 24 with a 10-2 vote.
Description.
Would require that, after 2011, commercial fishing operations report lost fishing gear to the Department of Fish and Game. After 2011, all commercial fishing gear would be required to be coded with the identification of the owner. After 2012, the Department of Fish and Game would be required to establish targets for the reduction of derelict fishing gear.
CAW Staff Contact.
Tony Hackett (916) 443-5422
Supporters.
Heal the Bay (Sponsor)
Californians Against Waste
Opponents.
SB 966 (Simitian, 2007-08) Reducing Pharmaceuticals in Waste Stream
Summary.
SB 966 would begin the process of establishing a state-wide solution for the growing problem of improper disposal of unused and expired pharmaceutical drugs by creating model disposal programs and requiring the California Integrated Waste Management Board to report back to the legislature on their potential state-wide implementation.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. SB 966 was signed by Governor Schwarzenegger Oct. 12, 2007. Previously, SB 966 had received a 28-11 concurrence vote in the Senate, had passed off the Assembly Floor with a 45-30 vote Sep 7, passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee with a 12-5 vote, passed out of Asm. Health 9-5 on July 3, the Asm. Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee June 26 with a 4-2 vote, the Senate Environmental Quality Committee on March 26 with a 4-2 vote and the Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic on April 23 with a 5-3 vote.
Description.
Currently there are few safe and convenient ways for consumers to dispose of unused prescription drugs. Nearly all unused pharmaceuticals enter either our solid waste system or our sewage system. Neither disposal methods are environmentally sound. Pharmaceuticals flushed down the toilet pass through our sewage treatment plants which are generally not designed to screen for these chemicals. Pharmaceuticals discarded in landfills can seep into the surrounding watertable. Several studies, including a 2002 analysis by the US Geological Survey of 139 streams across 30 states found that 80 percent of waterways tested had measurable concentrations of prescription and nonprescription drugs, steroids, and reproductive hormones. SB 966 would help ensure proper disposal of prescription pharmaceuticals by allowing retailers of pharmaceutical drugs and other organizations to have in place a system for the acceptance and collection of drugs.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Mark Murray (916) 443-5422
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
Alameda County Board of Supervisor Alice Lai-Bitker
Alameda County Waste Management Authority
Breast Cancer Fund
California Alliance For Consumer Protection
California Association of Sanitation Agencies
California Retailers Association (former opposition)
California State Association of Counties
California Nurses Association
California Product Stewardship Council
California Psychiatric Association
California Veterinary Medical Association
Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox
City of Benicia
City of Chula Vista
City of Coronado
City of Del Mar
City of Elk Grove
City of Imperial Beach
City of Lakewood
City of La Mesa
City of Livermore (Water Resources Division)
City of Millbrae
City of National City
City of Palo Alto
City of Rohnert Park
City of Roseville
City of San Jose
City of Santa Cruz
City of Santa Rosa
City and County of San Francisco
City of Sunnyvale
Clean Water Action
East Bay Municipal Utility District
Environment California
EXP Pharmaceutical Services Corp.
Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation
League of California Cities
Los Angeles County Solid Waste Management Committee/Integrated Waste Management Task Force
Marin Co. Hazardous & Solid Waste Management Joint Powers Authority
Maine Benzodiazepine Study Group
Maine Unused Drug Disposal Group
Mayors™ & Councilmembers™ Association of Sonoma County
Metro Wastewater Joint Powers Authority
Mojave Desert and Mountain Recycling Authority
Mt. View Sanitary District
Napa County
National Association of Chain Drug Stores (Former opposition)
Northern California Recycling Association
Orange County Sanitation District
Petaluma
Pfizer
Planning and Conservation League
Regional Council of Rural Counties
Rite Aid (former opposition)
Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority
Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County
Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors
Santa Clara Valley Water District
Solid Waste Association of North America
Sonoma County Water Agency
Save the Bay
Sierra Club California
StopWaste.Org, Alameda County Waste Management Authority
Teleosis Institute
TODOS UNIDOS
Forest Batz, PharmD, Assistant Clinical Professor, School of Pharmacy, University of California, San Francisco
Walgreen Company (Former opposition)
Water Replenishment District of Southern California
Opposition.
(none)
California Grocers Association (Opposition withdrawn 9/5/07)
California Narcotic Officers™ Association (Opposition withdrawn 9/5/07)
California Retailers Association (Opposition withdrawn 9/6/07)
California State Board of Pharmacy (Opposition withdrawn 9/5/07)
National Association of Chain Drug Stores (Opposition withdrawn 9/6/07)
Rite Aid (Opposition withdrawn 9/6/07)
Walgreen Company (Opposition withdrawn 9/5/07)
SB 1020 (Padilla, 2007-08) Solid Waste Diversion
Summary.
Requires the California Integrated Waste Management Board to adopt policies, programs, and incentives to increase statewide waste diversion to 60% by 12/21/2012 and 75% by 2020.
Position and Status.
CAW supports. SB 1020 was held in the Assembly Appropriations Commitee, but was later incorporated into AB 1390. Previously, the bill passed out of Asm. NR July 2 with a 6-2 vote, passed off the Sen floor May 6 with a 23-14 vote, passed out of Senate Approps. May 31 with a 10-6 vote, and passed out of Sen EQ April 16 with a 5-1 vote.
Description.
In 1989, California passed AB 939, or the CA Integrated Waste Management Act, which required each city and county, to not only develop a source reduction and recycling plan, but required cities and counties to reach a 50% diversion rate by January 1, 2000. This bill would require CIWMB to adopt programs to increase statewide diversion to 75% by 2020.
CAW Staff Contact.
Mark Murray, 916-443-5422
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste
Waste Management
Opponents.
Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors
SB 1021 (Padilla, 2007-08) Multifamily/Container Recycling Grants
Summary.
Extends multifamily recycling grants to 2008 and increases funding from $5 million to $15 million.
Position and Status.
CAW supports. SB 1021 was signed by Gov. Schwarzenegger!
Description.
This one-year program would use a small portion of the unclaimed CRV funds to help fund increased recycling by placing recycling receptacles in multifamily dwellings.
Most residents of multifamily dwellings do not have access to convenient recycling and this has resulted in much lower diversion rates compared to those living in single-family homes. SB 1021, along with CAW-sponsored AB 548, will help ensure that more Californians have the opportunity to recycle.
CAW Staff Contact.
Mark Murray and Nick Lapis (916) 443-5422
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste
Allied Waste Services
American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees
Assemblymember Jose Solorio
California Association of Local Conservation Corps
California Electronic Asset Recovery
California League of Conservation Voters
California State Association of Counties
City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Sanitation
City of San Jose
City of Ventura, Department of Environmental Services
Councilmember Donna Frye, City of San Diego
Del Norte Solid Waste Management Authority
East Bay Conservation Corps
EcologyAction
Green Bag
Institute for Local Self Reliance
Los Angeles County Integrated Waste Management Task Force
Ma forêt en Côte-d'Ivoire
Mayor Tony Santos, City of San Leandro
Orange County Conservation Corps
Planning and Conservation League
Regional Council of Rural Counties
San Francisco Conservation Corps
San Luis Obispo Integrated Waste Management
Sierra Club California
StopWaste.Org (Alameda Co. Waste Management Authority)
Solid Waste Association of North America
Surfrider Foundation (San Diego Chapter)
Urban Corps of San Diego
Vice Mayor Bonnie Lowenthal, City of Long Beach
(Organizations in green have submitted letters to the Governor)
Opponents.
Department of Finance
SB 1625 (Corbett, 2007-08) Updating California's Bottle and Can Recycling Law
Summary.
SB 1625 aimed to update California's Bottle and Can Recycling Law by, among other measures, expanding the program to include all plastic bottles.
Position and Status.
CAW Supported. SB 1625 was denied a floor vote in the Assembly. Previously, the bill passed out of Assembly Appropriations Aug 7, passed out of Assembly Natural Resources June 16, passed off the Sen. Floor May 29, passed out of Sen. Approps on May 22 and passed out of the Sen. Environmental Quality Committee April 14 with a 5-2 vote.
Description.
SB 1625 aimed to significantly reduce the amount of plastic litter pollution entering our marine environment by expanding the scope of California's successful Bottle and Can Recycling Law to include more plastic bottles. Plastic marine debris pollution is a serious and growing problem, the source of which is right here on land. Up to 80% of marine debris pollution consists of plastic from urban litter. Containers under California's Bottle and Can Recycling Law are littered less than other plastic items because they have a redemption value. However, because plastics are the fastest growing component of the waste stream, only about 50% of plastic bottles are currently covered by California's Bottle and Can Recycling Law. Expanding the program to include more plastic bottles would significantly reduce plastic litter pollution this measure will result in the recycling of more than 3 billion additional plastic bottles, reducing littered and landfilled plastic waste by 130,000 tons annually and providing local governments with an additional $100 million dollars annually.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Mark Murray 916-443-5422
Supporters.
Alameda County Waste Management Authority
Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program
Allied Waste Industries
Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc.
California League of Conservation Voters
California Refuse Removal Council
California State Association of Counties
City and County of San Francisco Department of Environment
City of Bakersfield
City of Dublin
City of Fairfield
City of Fremont
City of La Quinta
City of Manteca
City of Norwalk
City of Sacramento
City of Santa Barbara Environmental Services
City of San Jose
City of Sunnyvale
City of Pleasanton
City of Riverside
Contra Costa Clean Water Program
County of Contra Costa
County of San Bernardino
County of Santa Clara
County of Santa Cruz
Del Norte Solid Waste Management Authority
Environment California
Glass Packaging Institute
Heal the Bay
Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries
League of California Cities
Natural Resource Defense Council
The Northern California Recycling Association
Owens-Illinois
Planning and Conservation League
Regional Council of Rural Counties
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority
Surfrider Foundation
Surfrider Foundation’s San Francisco Chapter
The Sierra Club
Tomra Pacific, Inc.
Waste Management
Opposition.
American Chemistry Council
California Grocers Association
California Chamber of Commerce
California Nevada Soft Drink Association
California Recycling Services Corporation
Clorox
Coalition of Independent Recyclers
Consumer Specialty Products Association
SC Johnson
Soap and Detergent Association
SB 1313 (Corbett, 2007-08) Perfluorocarbons in Food Packaging
Summary.
Would phase out toxic perfluorocarbons from food packaging by 2010.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. SB 1313 was vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger Sep. 29. Previously, SB 1313 passed a Senate concurrence on Aug. 31 with a 21-15 vote, passed out of the Assembly Aug. 27 with a 43-30 vote, passed out of Asm. Health Jun. 25 with a 10-3 vote, passed out of Asm. ESTM Jun. 10 with a 5-2 vote, passed out of the Senate May 12 with a 22-15 vote, passed out of Sen Health Apr. 28 with a 7-2 vote and passed out of Sen EQ Apr. 7 with a 5-0 vote.
Description.
PFOA and PFOS have been found in the blood of more than 98 percent of Americans and are used in food packaging to repel grease. PFOA is a suspected human carcinogen and PFOA and PFOS may cause development harm. The US EPA has called for a voluntary phaseout of some perfluorocarbons from food packaging by 2015. This bill would ban PFOA and PFOS from food packaging starting 2010.
CAW Staff Contacts.
Tony Hackett, 916-443-5422
Supporters.
Environmental Working Group (sponsor)
Californians Against Waste
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
AFL-CIO
Breast Cancer Action
Breast Cancer Fund
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO
California League for Environmental Enforcement Now
California League of Conservation Voters
California Nurses Association
Cereplast, Inc.
Children's Advocacy Institute
Clean Water Action
Environment California
Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO
Making Our Milk Safe (MOMS)
Natural Products Association West
Natural Resources Defense Council
Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California
Planned Parenthood Golden Gate
Planned Parenthood Mar Monte
Planned Parenthood of Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo Counties, Inc.
Planned Parenthood of South Central Valley
Planning and Conservation League
Sierra Club California
Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition
United Steelworkers Union
Women's Foundation of California
Worksafe, Inc.
Zero Breast Cancer
Opposition.
American Chemistry Council
California Manufacturers & Technology Association
Chemical Industry Council of California
Ciba Corporation
DuPont
Grocery Manufacturers Association
Hercules, Inc.
Pet Food Institute
Telomer Research Program