In 2012, local jurisdictions were required to have a Mandatory Commercial Recycling Program as part of AB 341 (Chapter 476, Statutes of 2011). AB 341 requires businesses that generate four cubic yards or more of trash per week, and multi-family complexes of five units or more, that generate four cubic yards or more of trash per week, to have a recycling program. Each local jurisdiction is required to offer a recycling program, inform businesses and multi-family complexes about the recycling requirement, and to keep track of the level of recycling participation within the community. In addition, each jurisdiction is required to report to CalRecycle, the state agency that oversees recycling and solid waste, progress toward meeting the requirements of AB 341.

In January 2017, CalRecycle mailed a letter of concern outlining improvements needed for the AB 341 program’s education, outreach, monitoring and reporting requirements. As a result, a four year review cycle is now a two year review cycle to closely monitor improvements. In October 2017, HF&H was contracted to assist with legislative compliance and has worked with staff and CalRecycle to develop an AB 341 implementation plan in order to assist with gaining compliance with AB 341. In December 2018, HF&H was contracted to provide technical assistance for the program which included developing surveys, contacting businesses and tracking/monitoring compliant businesses.  This results in good faith effort toward improvements with the AB 341 program. Since then, the consultant has gained knowledge of the contract with Republic Services and has established a working relationship. They have built an intricate monitoring database system to track all AB 341 related businesses within the city. Additionally, HF&H has an extensive background in solid waste services and has worked with other agencies on compliance issues. Therefore, staff recommends acquiring their continued technical assistance services for the AB 341 program.

The cost for the technical assistance services of the AB 341 program agreement with HF&H is not to exceed $50,000, funded through Refuse enterprise funds, within the current FY 2019-20 City budget. There is no impact to the General Fund.

It is recommended that the Sanitary District Board:

• Approve a professional services agreement with HF&H Consultants, LLC, in the fixed price amount of $50,000 until services are rendered; and

• Authorize the General Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the District and make minor modifications as appropriate thereto.

By: A.J. Holmon III, Streets/Environmental Manager