Solid Waste Policy Board Regional Recycling and Public Education Program - 2200

Initiated in 1991, this element provides a county wide public education program that promotes awareness and education to residents of Merced County regarding the importance of participation in source reduction, recycling, and other diversion efforts.  The element also follows guidelines for these activities as outlined in each jurisdiction’s Source Reduction and Recycling Element (SRRE), on file with the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB).  The SRRE is required as a result of the 1989 Integrated Waste Management Act, which requires each jurisdiction to reduce the amount of tonnage going to the landfill by 50%.  This diversion goal was to be reached by 2000.  The tonnage amount is adjusted annually for population increase, sales tax revenues, and employment figures.  For 2004, the reported diversion rate for Merced County was 42%.  In 2005, it was 51%. In 2007, the board approved a 71% diversion rate.

The Regional Solid Waste Management Authority Regional Recycling and Public Education Program provides outreach services appropriate to all segments of the community and jurisdictions.  In addition, the program provides technical support, as requested by jurisdictions and public agencies, in the promotion of new and existing programs related to the establishment and administration of recycling, hauling contracts, and proper disposal of unwanted materials.

Individual jurisdictions in Merced County continue to implement diversion programs with the goal of reaching a regional diversion rate of 50%.  In 2005 the Regional Solid Waste Management Authority Board sought and was granted a 1066 time extension to gain time necessary to implement new programs aimed at reaching the diversion goal.  Local jurisdictions are now under scrutiny to provide programs that are intended to meet the diversion goals.

Through the use of advertising, local news media, newsletters and brochures, the Mercedrecycles.com web site, personal contact, and public appearances in the form of educational booths at public events, speeches to civic groups and classroom presentations, staff will work to increase public awareness, understanding, and support for the importance of diversion through source reduction, recycling, and composting.  The program aims to reach four target sectors: community, commercial/business, agriculture and schools.