California saw a modest reduction in waste disposal from 31.1 million tons (28.2 million tonnes) in 2009 to 30.4 million tons (27.6 million tonnes) in 2010, according to data from the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle).
However, due to a small drop in population using preliminary 2010 census data the state’s disposal rate of 4.5 pounds (2 kilos) of trash per person per day is unchanged.
CalRecycle says that it calculates California’s disposal rate on a yearly basis as a tool to help local communities meet waste reduction and recycling goals.
According to the department, ongoing lulls in construction, manufacturing, and purchasing account for much of the state’s record-low waste disposal numbers. The commercial sector generates nearly 70% of all waste accepted by landfills, with 29% of that amount from construction and demolition materials.
Although the number of residential construction permits increased in California during 2010 from the previous year, new construction remained 73% below the historical average.
CalRecycle is concerned that when the economy recovers, the state’s recycling effort will be challenged, as strong economies generally result in more waste generation.
To prepare for this challenge, and to strengthen the state’s recycling commitment CalRecycle says that it is actively working on measures to expand commercial recycling, increase recycling of the largest components of the waste stream, and further policies such as extended producer responsibility.
To prepare for the larger waste stream that a growing economy and population is likely to produce, CalRecycle is emphasising the need for all Californian communities, including those currently meeting their Integrated Waste Management Act (AB 939) diversion requirement, to continue to develop and implement aggressive recycling and waste management programs.
“Economic factors coupled with effective recycling programs contributed to the reduced amount of trash entering landfills in 2010,” CalRecycle acting director Mark Leary said. “This data underscores the value Californians place on environmental stewardship and the commitment of local communities to divert valuable resources away from the dump and toward new uses.”
To view a chart that shows recycling and population data from 1995 through 2010 check HERE.
Source: Waste Management World