Hilary Gans

This document provides a 2026 progress report on RethinkWaste's 2025-2034 Long Range Plan. The plan serves as a high-level guiding document defining policy, programmatic, and infrastructure needs. It outlines five primary goals: Waste Reduction and Reuse, Collection Operations, Facility Operations and Material Handling/Processing, Solid Waste Program Technical Management, and Financial Sustainable & Stability. These goals are supported by specific objectives such as meeting state law requirements, expanding outreach, establishing alternative fuel infrastructure, automating recycling processing, and optimizing facility use. The plan aims to measure agency progress towards its goals through annual updates and periodic reviews.

The committee discussed RethinkWaste's co-sponsored bill AB 762 regarding the prohibition of disposable, battery-embedded vapor inhalation devices. There was a comprehensive review of the 2026 California legislative bill positions and updates on regulatory matters, including SB 54 implementation. Additionally, the committee deliberated on the adoption of a formal policy regarding the review of pending legislation, specifically focusing on the process for establishing the agency's legislative positions.

The board meeting focused on several key items including an executive director's report on agency projects, staffing, and committee updates. Notable actions included the approval of policies regarding the review of pending legislation, authorization of various contracts for infrastructure projects such as the administrative office expansion and transfer station tip floor repairs, and support for several California legislative bills. The board also reviewed the midterm budget adjustments, investment reports, and received updates on compliance programs and operational initiatives for the Shoreway Environmental Center.

This biennial Legislative & Regulatory Platform provides RethinkWaste with a clear and concise guiding document to focus targeted activities during each Legislative session to achieve agency goals and best represent its interests, advocating for environmental legislation and regulatory policies that help combat climate change and promote waste reduction. The platform is structured around four primary focus areas: Extended Producer Responsibility (which includes plastics and packaging reduction, battery collection, and toxics reduction), Economic Development, Diversion, and Funding. These areas are designed to advance the agency's triple zero waste vision by reducing plastic use, eliminating landfill disposal of recyclables and organic materials, and promoting responsible environmental stewardship.

The committee discussed several key items, including the executive director's report on upcoming capital projects and tip fee adjustments. The committee reviewed the draft resolution for 2025 mid-year budget adjustments, focusing on tipping fee projections, commodity revenue volatility, and potential impacts of international trade challenges on material exports. Additionally, the committee deliberated on the 2025-2026 reserve policy updates, specifically addressing funding objectives, equipment replacement funds, and insurance coverage. Finally, the committee reviewed the MRF Phase II project, including automation plans and the proposed timeline for future RFP processes.