With AB 341, eligible businesses are required to recycle, thus resulting in an expansion in commercial recycling activities and recycling manufacturing.

Prior to the passage of AB 341, CalRecycle and the Air Resources Board were engaged in a joint rulemaking process to implement a Mandatory Commercial Recycling Measure within AB 32 (CA Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006) to increase commercial waste diversion (recycling/reuse/composting) as a method to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Purpose

1. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diverting commercial solid waste to recycling efforts
2. To expand the opportunity for additional recycling services and recycling manufacturing facilities in California.

Local Jurisdictions

On or after July 1, 1012, each City/County entity shall implement an education, outreach and monitoring program. Efforts may be phased in over time.

Affected Businesses, Public Entity Locations, Multi-Family Dwellings

On and after July 1, 2012 the following will need to implement a recycling program:

1. A business or public entity location that generates more than four cubic yards of commercial solid waste per week,
2. A multifamily dwelling of five units, no matter the amount of waste disposed of per week.

How Much You May Be Disposing of Per Week

Your solid waste bins are measured in the amount of cubic yards. Your solid waste service bills/statements may tell you what size bin you have and how often it is serviced. If it is not listed, please contact your solid waste hauler (PDF).

Different Examples of What Equals at Least 4 Cubic Yards (CUYD) of Trash

• One1-CUYD bin serviced four times a week
• One 2-CUYD bin serviced twice a week
• One 4-CUYD bin serviced once a week
• Two 1-CUYD bins serviced twice a week

Tip for City of Merced customers: the first number on your dumpster is the size of the bin. [Example: Number -1234: the first number (#) would be the size of the bin]

Compliance

Recycling Programs are Any of the Following, or a Combination of the Following

1. Self-hauling recyclables to a recycling drop off or facility (ex: taking CRV containers to a buyback center, or dropping off recyclables at either of the two regional landfills);
2. Having a service provider/hauler pick up the materials to have the materials recycled;
3. Donating recyclables to a non-profit organization

Another Example:

1. Having shredded paper recycled through a service provider (please check to confirm that the service provider recycles the material and does not dispose of it)

Reporting

Reference CalRecycle Mandatory Commercial Recycling's webpage at https://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/recycle/commercial.