Anticipated Results
Implementation of the proposed regulations is estimated to result in overall cost savings to California businesses during the 2012 through 2020 time frame. Previous studies on the economic impact of recycling versus disposal have found significant positive economic effects in California. The benefits from increased recycling will not only generate new jobs, but will also result in additional goods and services. CalRecycle expects that implementation of these regulations will increase the availability of recyclable materials, provide increased feedstock for recycled-content product manufacturers, and expand the opportunity for recycling manufacturing facilities and associated job creation in California.
Expanding and/or developing new recycling manufacturing infrastructure in California makes sense from a greenhouse gas emissions standpoint, as most emission reductions occur at the point of re-manufacturing and not at the origin of recycling. While some materials collected in California remain in the state for re-manufacturing, the majority of the recycled materials are shipped to other parts of the United States or to global markets. CalRecycle will continue to work with the Air Resources Board and other agencies on efforts to provide incentives for the enhancement of in-state recycling manufacturing.
Benefits
As a result of increasing recycling, CalRecycle also expects that there will be reduced emissions of methane, air toxins, and criteria pollutants from landfills. Furthermore, diverting organic materials into compost products will result in positive impacts on soil and water quality.
The regulations also will help jurisdictions to develop or enhance commercial recycling programs, help the state to further reduce disposal at landfills, and assist in meeting the state’s new 75 percent diversion goal. The long-term results will be positive for all entities:
- Amount of waste sent to landfills is reduced
- Businesses grow
- California’s dependence on volatile foreign recycling markets is reduced
- California jobs are created
- Greenhouse gas emissions are significantly reduced
- New sources of biofuels and energy are created
- Resources are conserved
- Tax revenue is generated