Beyond Bottles and Cans: Reorganizing California’s Recycling Efforts

OVERVIEW

In this report, the Commission makes two findings and nine recommendations to address the need for major streamlining and simplification of the beverage container recycling program (known as the AB 2020 program).

During its review, the Commission found that the placement of overlapping recycling mandates in two separate agencies has resulted in duplication of work, public confusion and lack of effectiveness in implementing state policies. In addition, the complexity of the recycling program hinders its expansion, undermines cost-effective implementation and increases opportunities for fraud.

The Commission recommends to the Governor and Legislature that a new comprehensive solid waste management program be established in Cal-EPA to bring both policy focus and program accountability to the State’s recycling efforts.