The City of Sunnyvale plans to submit a request to the State of California, Department of Conservation, Division of Recycling for funds to reimburse a portion of cost of the City’s existing curbside collection of beverage containers and additional public education. The request form for these funds requires a Council resolution identifying the individual authorized to execute the agreement. Staff is requesting that the Council approve such a resolution.

In 1986, the legislature passed AB 2020 (Margolin), the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act (Act). The primary purpose of the Act is to achieve and maintain high recycling rates for each type of beverage container included in the program. The Act is administered by the Department of Conservation, Division of Recycling and includes enforcement, auditing, technical assistance, education and grant funding.

The program is funded by the California Refund Value (CRV) that the consumer pays with each beverage container purchase covered by the program.

CRV revenues are deposited in the California Beverage Container Recycling Fund (Fund). Payments are made out of the Fund to consumers in the form of CRV payments when they return empty beverage containers to certified recycling centers. Remaining funds from unredeemed containers are then available for other recycling-related activities. These activities include administering the program, handling fee payments to convenience zone recyclers, grants, and payments to local curbside programs.

In 1999, the Legislature passed SB 332, which made changes to the Act. One such change requires the DOC to expend $10.5 million annually from the Fund to jurisdictions on a per capita basis for beverage container recycling, litter cleanup activities, or other recycling related activities.

Solid Waste Sub-Element Policy 3.2F.3—Identify additional revenue sources and, where possible, increase revenues from solid waste programs, services, and facilities without jeopardizing program goals and customer service quality.

The recycling annual payment available to the City of Sunnyvale will total $38,847 based on the calculation method defined in statute. The funds would be used to reimburse the City for recycling collections, public education and source reduction of beverage containers.

Staff recommends that Council approve the resolution attached as Appendix 1 so that the City’s Annual Payment request form can be submitted.

Approval of the payment request by the DOC would provide $38,847 in revenue to the Solid Waste Fund.

The Council Agenda was published and posted. In addition, all reports are available in the Library and on the City’s Internet home page.

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the resolution.

Prepared by:

Richard Gurney
Recycling Supervisor

Reviewed by:

Mark Bowers
Solid Waste Program Manager

Reviewed by:

Marvin A. Rose
Director, Public Works

Approved by:

Robert S. LaSala
City Manager