The City of Tracy would like to inform businesses and multi-family complexes in our community about State laws regarding recycling.  The State of California passed two  bills regarding commercial and multi-family recycling regulations, Assembly Bill (AB) 32 (California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006) and Assembly Bill 341.  The purpose of the laws is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (use less natural resources and reduce emissions by manufacturing products from recycled materials) in the State by diverting commercial solid waste through recycling programs.

Approximately 66% of California’s solid waste is generated from the commercial sector and 9% is from multi-family residential complexes.  In order for the State to see further reductions in emissions, they are requiring all cities by July 1, 2012 to have a mandatory recycling program for all businesses that generate four cubic yards of refuse or more per week and all multi-family complexes with five or more units.

The City’s role is to provide a recycling program that includes outreach and educational materials.  It is the responsibility of businesses to determine if they are required to participate and to implement the program.  Those businesses that are not required to participate are still strongly encouraged to recycle.  Recycling is better for the environment and can save money.  If you currently have recycling in place, you are in compliance with AB32 and AB341.

As the Recycling Analyst for the City of Tracy, I am available to assist your business or multi-family complex in implementing a recycling program.  The City’s recycling hauler, Tracy Disposal, is also available to assist in establishing a program that best fits your business needs.  A business or multi-family complex recycling program will help your business reduce the amount of waste you are sending to the landfill, but could also reduce the size of garbage containers you have or the number of pickups.

The City of Tracy is committed to reducing the amount waste that is generated in our community and to reduce our carbon footprint.  Recycling programs will help the City to achieve these goals and also help to decrease the amount of natural resources used to make products we use every day.  Increasing public awareness on the importance of recycling will benefit all of us and our future generations.

More information about the State Mandated Bills

If you have any questions, would like to start your program, or if you would like to expand your current recycling program to further reduce your carbon footprint, please feel free to contact me at (209) 831-6300, email connie.lopes@cityoftracy.org; contact the City's Finance Department at (209) 831-6800, email customerservice@cityoftracy.org; or contact Tracy Disposal at (209) 835-0601, email jennifer@tdswm.com.

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