§ 31-60. Legislative findings and statement of intent.

a.

The Board of Supervisors is committed to protecting public health, safety, welfare and the environment.

b.

The Board intends, through this Article, to facilitate the reduction of solid waste generation and the diversion of solid waste from landfills.

c.

Under California law as embodied in the California Waste Management Act of 1989 (Public Resources Code Section 40000 et seq.), all cities and counties in California are required to prepare, adopt and implement source reduction and recycling plans to reach landfill diversion goals and to make substantial reductions in the volume of waste materials going to the landfills.

d.

Jurisdictions face fines up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) per day for failure to comply with the requirements of the California Waste Management Act of 1989.

e.

Debris from construction and demolition of buildings and tenant improvements represents a significant portion of the volume of inert waste that is generated in the County, and such waste is particularly suitable for recycling and reuse.

f.

The Board recognizes that requiring the diversion of construction and demolition debris from landfill disposal may, in some instances, add to the cost of construction and demolition projects. The Board also recognizes, however, that such diversion is also likely to result in significant long-term cost savings to the taxpayers of the County.

g.

The diversion of recyclable and reusable material from the waste stream will preserve landfill space to help meet future disposal needs.

h.

Therefore, requiring the diversion of specified recyclable and reusable material from the waste stream will protect the public welfare.

(Ord. No. 3925, § 1 (part), 2-14-06)