HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/00/1989, C-1 - SENATE BILL 1221, WHICH WOULD RAISE REDEMPTION VALUES FOR RECYCLABLE BEVERAGE CONTAINERS. MEEnNG DATE
OWNS City o� San LUIS OBISPO Ma 23 1989
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT I NUMBER:
FROM: David F. Romero, Public Works Director
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PREPARED BY: Dave Elliott, Administrative Analyst,
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SUBJECT: Senate Bill 1221, which would raise redemption values for recyclable
beverage containers.
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the resolution endorsing passage of Senate Bill 1221
BACKGROUND
In 1987 The California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act (AB 2020) estab-
lished minimum redemption values for beverage containers and provided for increased redemption
values if recycling rates were not achieved by certain dates.
According to figures released by the state department of conservation, the original redemption
value of one cent per container has not provided enough incentive to reach the 65 percent recy-
cling goal for beverage containers. Over the last 18 months, Californians have recycled only
57 percent of aluminum cans, 33 percent of glass bottles, and 5 percent of plastic contain-
ers. Further, in the last six months the overall reycling rate for all containers has fallen
from 51 percent to 46 percent. Because the one cent redemption value has not worked, under
existing law the redemption value will rise to two cents on 1/1/90 and three cents on I/l/93.
Senate Bill 1221 asserts that the existing redemption values are too low. It would
1) raise the minimum redemption value to five cents for two beverage containers effective
10/1/89
2) count a beverage container which contains. more than 24 ounces as two containers effective
10/1/89
3) raise the redemption value to five cents for beverage container types which don't reach a
65 percent recycling rate by 1/1/90.
4) raise the redemption value to five cents for beverage container types which don't reach an
80 percent recycling rate by 1/1/93.
In nine other states redemption values of five cents or have boosted recycling rates to at
least 80 percent. Californians Against Waste, an organization that advocates recycling, has
asked California cities and counties to endorse SB 1221.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the council adopt the resolution endorsing SB 1221.
attach: resolution
correspondence