County Waste Management to Vote on Plastic Bag Ban, Mandatory Recycling Ordinances

Alameda County Waste Management Authority (ACWMA), also known as StopWaste.Org, will soon vote on two ordinances that will affect the county's long-term waste reduction goals.

On Wednesday, Jan. 25 ACWMA will decide on passing ordinances for mandatory recycling and a single-use bag ban.

The first ordinance requires recycling of high market-value materials from larger businesses and multi-family properties. If passed, it will go into effect July 1.

It would be implemented in two phases over the next several months. The first includes basic recycables, such as paper and cardboard, while the second phase would include organics.

Instead of charging fines and fees as a form of enforcement, StopWaste.Org plans to provide outreach and education about the covered materials.

The second ordinance prohibits free distribution of single-use bags at check-out in stores that sell packaged food. Retailers would charge 10 cents for each paper bag provided. This proposed ordinance would go into effect by Jan. 1, 2013 and impact nearly 1,900 retailers countywide.

These initiatives are designed to reduce waste and litter, stimulate the local economy and create jobs.

It is the second of two votes required for the adoption of the two ordinances.

The proposed ordinances went before the ACWMA board on Dec. 14 for a first reading. The two readings and majority approval by the ACWMA board at each are required for adoption of the ordinances.

If adopted, individual jurisdictions within the county would be able to opt out of either.

The meeting will be held at the StopWaste.Org Board Room at 1537 Webster St., Oakland starting at 3 p.m.

A summary of both ordinances is available at www.stopwaste.org/news.