Diversion Services

City of San Clemente

Alternative Adjustment Factors

2005 - 2008

Client Needs

The City of San Clemente’s 2004 diversion rate was 38% using standard diversion rate adjustment factors, and was operating under a Diversion Rate Time Extension granted by the California Integrated Waste Management Board (“CIWMB”). The City sought consultant assistance to apply Board-approved Alternative Adjustment Factors to increase their diversion rate.

HF&H Solutions

Since 2005, HF&H has been assisting the City of San Clemente on an annual basis, by utilizing an Alternative Adjustment Factor in calculating the annual diversion percentage. 

The calculation of each city’s diversion rate is based on a formula called the “Adjustment Method,” which uses base year waste generation data and assumes growth based on three factors:  population, taxable sales and employment.  City-specific numbers were used for population and taxable sales.  The default employment factor used in the CIWMB Adjustment Method formula is countywide employment.  Because employment growth in the South County area has historically exceeded the County average, HF&H proposed to utilize City-specific employment data in order to increase the City’s diversion rate.

Results

Based on the results of applying the Alternative Adjustment Factors calculated by HF&H, the City increased its diversion percentage rate as follows:

• 2004, increased diversion rate by 12 percentage points to 50%
• 2005, increased diversion rate by 11 percentage points to 55%
• 2006, increased diversion rate by 9 percentage points to 63%

While calculating the City’s 2006 adjusted diversion rate, HF&H discovered an error in the Employment Development Department’s data for the City which could have potentially reduced the City’s diversion rate. Subsequent to the discovery of the error, HF&H contacted the EDD and the error was corrected.