HF&H Consultants, LLC

California Integrated Waste Management Board

Commercial Recycling Cost Study

2008 - 2010

HF&H is working with the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) to understand the costs and cost savings of commercial recycling in support of the development of a state-wide commercial recycling policy.

Client Needs

The CIWMB is an active member of the multi-agency Climate Action Team. This team was created by the Governor to develop strategies to meet the climate change emission reduction targets of the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32). The AB 32 scoping plan has identified zero waste/high recycling as one of its primary greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction strategies, with particular focus on the substantial opportunities available in the commercial recycling area. The "Commercial Recycling Measure" to be adopted by the CIWMB to affect this change would consist of a regulatory structure mandating recycling of certain materials by commercial generators, subject, as usual, to certain thresholds and exemptions.

HF&H Solutions

HF&H was hired by the CIWMB to estimate the costs, cost savings, and net costs to haul, process, and market varying amounts of the targeted, high lifecycle GHG, materials generated by large businesses. Through this process, HF&H will develop two main deliverables:

1) Cost Assessment Model: A sophisticated economic model to estimate the range of costs, savings, and net costs associated with an expansion of commercial recycling on a regional and state-wide basis. The results of this cost assessment model will facilitate rulemaking at the CIMWB for statewide commercial recycling, providing regulators with information on cost-effectiveness, and information on reasonable exemptions (e.g. generator thresholds, rural generators, material types, etc.). Additionally, this will provide the CIWMB, local governments, and the waste management and recycling industries with information on the costs and savings associated with developing or expanding commercial recycling programs.

2) Commercial Diversion Tool: HF&H, in cooperation with Cascadia Consulting Group, will develop a web-based calculator tool that individual businesses may use to make decisions regarding whether to reduce, recycle, or dispose of materials and the estimated costs and GHG reductions associated with that decision. CIWMB staff, local jurisdictions, and others will also be able to use this tool to help businesses explore commercial diversion options and provide technical assistance.

More Information

If you would like to learn more about the work that HF&H is doing for the CIWMB, please do not hesitate to give us a call.