Alma Freeman

This document details the proposed roles for StopWaste and its member agencies in implementing California Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383). The primary objectives of SB 1383 are to divert 75% of organics from landfills and recover 20% of edible food for human consumption by 2025. Key focus areas include developing a countywide SB 1383 ordinance, establishing edible food recovery programs, enforcing organics collection service requirements, monitoring contamination, conducting education and outreach, planning for organics processing capacity, and strategizing for procurement of recovered organic products. The plan aims to achieve effective, efficient, and cost-effective compliance with the regulations while reducing short-lived climate pollutants.

The committee held an election to appoint a new Chair and Vice Chair for the upcoming term. Staff provided updates on the Reusable Food Ware Project, noting the distribution of grants for pilot projects and the creation of informational handouts for food service businesses regarding the safety of reusable items. Additionally, the committee received an update on the work of the Illegal Dumping Task Force, highlighting the launch of the Re-source tool for materials management and a discussion regarding the Governor's Clean California Initiative and its impact on local funding.

This plan, mandated by Measure D, establishes a new goal for landfill obsolescence in Alameda County by 2045. It envisions a future where landfills are replaced by circular material flows that minimize non-renewable resource use, eliminate landfill waste through product and system redesign, and effectively recover materials. Key strategic areas include a countywide source reduction program, residential and commercial recycling programs, a recycled product market development program, and a recycled product purchase preference program, aiming for fundamental systemic changes towards a more circular economy and alignment with climate neutrality goals.

The board discussed and approved the Disposable Food Service Ware Reduction and Reuse Model Ordinance to be shared with member agencies. The members adopted legislative positions for 2023, specifically updating the stance on SB 244 to a watch position. An update regarding the agency's Equity and Empowerment Initiatives was presented for information. Additionally, the Executive Director provided communications regarding the success of recent grant rounds and the upcoming distribution of an Earth Day toolkit.

The meeting included discussions on landfill permit extensions and the associated Measure D fees. The board reviewed and accepted the annual audit for the fiscal year 2013/14, which included a review of pension benefit liabilities and the revolving loan program. Additionally, the board approved an amendment to the budget to fund research on the degradation of pharmaceuticals in compost. Staff provided an overview of discard management projects, addressing policies on school tour eligibility, student-led recycling projects, barriers to food scrap recycling, and enforcement mechanisms regarding recyclable materials in organics bins.