Long-Term Plan

The Long and the Short of It: How the Salinas Valley Plans to Achieve 75% Diversion
 
The Authority plans to implement 9 short-term programs to move the Salinas Valley towards the Long-Term goal of 75% diversion.

#1 Progress Monitoring
Define the baseline and develop methodology to measure progress on the meeting the 75% diversion goal.

#2 Construction and Demolition Recycling
Implement a comprehensive C&D recycling program. A significant percentage of the Salinas Valley's waste  is generated from construction and demolition. In fact, the California Integrated Waste Management Board has determined that C&D materials account for 21.7% of the state’s waste stream. The Authority is working to develop processing systems for these materials.

#3 Public Education
Enhance the public education process to promote reduce, reuse, and recycle. The Authority has an excellent public education program, but additional outreach will be required to reach the elevated goals. This outreach will focus on children, as well as, increased media coverage and event exposure.

#4 Reduce Agricultural Waste
Work closely with large agricultural and commercial business to increase diversion. These groups contribute considerable waste to Authority landfills and are prime candidates for increased recycling.

#5 CR3 Pilot Program
The Board entered into a contract with the CR3 Company to install and operate a pilot autoclave project. This project is designed to reduce waste and produce energy.

#6 Evaluate Other Technologies
The Board will undertake a review of other conversion technologies that could benefit the Salinas Valley.

#7 Organics Diversion
Organic material takes up a lot of space in our landfills, and it can be used to produce energy or fertilizer for our valley.

#8 Self Haul Serial Material Recovery Facilities
Research and implement a series of recycling and salvage opportunities for self haul customers. These could include areas to drop off reusable items like furniture, books, clothes, and recyclable materials. This could lead to reduced tipping fees for customers.

#9 Facilitate Member Agency Programs
There are many opportunities for member agencies to increase recycling in their own communities. Examples include: enhancing education and outreach, adding materials to recyclables collection, adding food waste collection, expanding more services to commercial and institutional customers, and citywide roll outs of recycling and organics to all customers.

Click here to see the powerpoint presentation presented at the Board of Director's meeting on January 18. 2008.


Current Pilots
Exciting new programs designed to reduce waste.

Facilities Expansion
Learn more about plans to expand SVSWA facilities.