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De-packaging system separates food from plastic packaging for resource recovery. Recycling Laws Affecting Ag Businesses In the fast-paced environ- ment in which packing com- panies, growers, ranchers, and harvesters operate, it's challenging to stay informed on new recycling regulations, train staff to manage recycla- ble materials, and incorporate a cost that once offered monetary incentive. However, recycling laws and compli- ance requirements in Califor- nia insist ag businesses give waste diversion priority. Major requirements began in 2011, as the State of Cali- fornia passed the Mandatory Commercial Recycling Law AB 341 setting a goal of 75% landfill diversion by 2020. Since 2014, the Mandatory Commercial Organics Recy- cling Law AB 1826, requires jurisdictions to implement organic waste recycling programs to divert organic waste from landfills. As of 2019, businesses generating four (4) cubic yards or more of solid waste per week must have recycling and organics diversion programs. Businesses with both recy- cling and organics programs are ahead of the curve. The next step is to train staff on what can be placed in mixed recycling and organ- ics recycling bins, and find additional outlets for high volume recyclable materials (e.g. drip tape). Working with a local recycling coordinator or garbage hauler can help businesses reach full compli- ance. These waste recovery experts provide free waste assessments, advice on logis- tics, bilingual staff training, and help with documenting and reporting recycling and diversion efforts to the State. Compliance with AB 341 + AB 1826. Recycling can include, but is not limited to, drip tape, pallets, mulch film, broken RPCs, scrap metal, tires and organics such as bagged food waste, culls, and spent produce. Materials such as cardboard, 5-gallon buck- ets, mixed paper, bottles, and cans can go in mixed recycling carts or recycling dumpsters serviced by gar- bage and recycling haulers. Many film-based plastics are no longer recyclable due to China's National Sword Policy. China, one of the world's largest importers of recyclables, implemented rules requiring materials to be clean with a maximum 0.5% contamination. Jeff Hougham, Operations Manager for Monterey Disposal and Tri-Cities Dis- posal & Recycling, says it's important that recyclable materials are not bagged. "Bagging creates problems at sorting facilities like mechanical issues and oper- ational shutdowns, resulting in higher costs." Non-recy- clable items can be bagged and thrown in the trash bin. Recycling organic mate- rials includes food scraps and yard waste that can be turned into compost or energy instead of landfill- ing. Recovered culls can be taken to feedlots for animal consumption. Bagged or packaged foods can now be separated using the de-packaging equipment at Johnson Canyon Land- fill, east of Gonzales. Food waste should be free of contamination; materials like gloves, hairnets, pallet strapping, and plastic bags cause mechanical issues in compost processing, de- grade quality of end product, and increase costs. When recycling with a third-party hauler, it is important companies doc- ument efforts by tracking loads, including material type, number of trips, and weight tickets. Documenting diversion of culls is also im- portant for these companies. Integrating diversion and re- cycling programs into written standard operating proce- dures and officially assigning employees to manage these programs is key to success. By documenting and report- ing efforts, businesses can verify their compliance with recycling and diversion laws and avoid future fees. What's Next? Currently the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery is determining rules of Senate Bill SB 1383. Part 2 of this series, coming in the winter edition, will address compliance with SB Commercially packaged produce is loaded into a hopper for separation at the Johnson Canyon Landfill in Gonzales. Organic matter will serve as feedstock for clean energy production and composting. LET US TAKE CARE OF YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR BUSINESS Serving the Monterey Bay Area Since 1924 483 Rio Del Mar Blvd. Suite 7, Aptos www.scurichinsurance.com 831-661-5697 OUR FALL SALE IS BACK OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR ONE WEEK ONLY MONDAY 10/07 - SATURDAY 10/12 190 ESPINOSA RD. SALINAS 831-632-2100 831-632-0430 LAKESIDE NURSERY 20% OFF All plants SALE HOURS MONDAY - FRIDAY 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM SATURDAY 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM 831.768.2789 | graniterock.com Working Together to Build the Future. Paving the way for the farming industry's success. High quality construction projects. On time and budget. 1383. For questions about these laws, contact your local hauler or Salinas Valley Recycles at 831-775-3000. Details about California's commercial recycling laws are provided on CalRecycle's website www.calrecycle. ca.gov/recycle/commercial. This article was submitted by, and is a collaboration between several organiza- tions: Monterey County En- vironmental Health, Salinas Valley Recycles, Measure to Improve and Tri-Cities Disposal & Recycling.