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For Additional Information Contact:
Kurt Hunter, Hazardous Materials/Recycling Specialist
Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority
755-1300
SALINAS VALLEY CITIES EXCEED DIVERSION GOALS
Salinas, CA
November 22, 2002
The Salinas Valley Solid
Waste Authority (SVSWA) has assisted member cities in meeting their AB939
diversion goals of 49% for Salinas and 73% for Soledad for the base year
1999.
On-site waste assessments and phone surveys
were conducted in Salinas and Soledad in an effort to document these diversion
rates. Using additional recycling data these cities remain in compliance
with AB939 with Salinas at 53% and 67% for Soledad for the year 2000.
These new diversion rates were reviewed
and validated by the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB)
at their November board meeting.
Kurt Hunter, hazardous materials/recycling
specialist for the Authority says, “The local businesses were very
cooperative and supportive of the Authority’s goals of documenting
existing diversion and identifying new recycling and waste reduction opportunities.
We thank them for their support.”
The SVSWA has been offering Enhanced AB939
services to these communities since January 1999. These include waste
assessments in schools and businesses, public education, household hazardous
waste collection events, construction of permanent Antifreeze, Battery,
Oil and Paint (ABOP) drop-off facilities, and working in partnership with
the local garbage companies to increase recycling opportunities for local
businesses.
Stephen Johnson, operations manager for
the Authority said, “Landfills and the solid waste buried there
may not be movie material, but they are high-drama issues that will affect
the quality of life in the Salinas Valley if they are not taken seriously.”
He continues, “The hard work and support of the cities of Salinas
and Soledad will help give a happy ending to the recycling story in the
Salinas Valley.”
The Authority, formed in 1997, is a joint powers agency made
up of the cities of Gonzales, Greenfield, King City, Salinas, Soledad
as well as the eastern half of unincorporated Monterey County. They promote
the environmental health of the Salinas Valley through planning, public
education and management of an innovative solid waste system. The Authority
can be reached at 755-1300 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday
or on the web at www.svswa.org.
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