Letters to the Editor

Oppose divestiture
editor: Sonoma County has a history of being one of the most
environmentally progressive communities in the state. We have small
independent recycling organizations throughout the county that
provide critical recycling opportunities and contribute to meeting
the state mandated recycling law AB939 and Zero Waste
initiatives.
Sonoma County Resource Recovery Association (SCRRA) is one of
these recycling organizations, representing small independent
recycling companies and debris box haulers whose primary focus is
to recycle Construction and Demolition (C&D) debris. The county
has identified C&D debris as representing approximately 27
percent of the county’s waste stream.
SCRRA has played an important role in keeping C&D debris and
other recyclable materials out of the County’s solid waste system
by maximizing recycling and supporting Zero Waste initiatives.
The county’s divestiture project has presented a serious concern
for all independent recycling organizations in the county including
the SCRRA members. According to presentations made by the county
staff, we have come to understand that the proposed owners of the
county landfill, Republic Services from Arizona, are requiring all
recyclable materials including C&D debris be directed to the
county landfill, which they are purchasing. This requirement is
known as “flow control” and, if imposed, will force small
independent recycling organizations out of business in favor of the
national company Republic Services.
The county is essentially creating a monopoly with public assets
and taxpayer money by guaranteeing the large national garbage
corporation Republic Services revenue to operate the county
landfill. The divestiture project eliminates competition and the
ratepayer will be forced to pay the inflated landfill rates
proposed at a starting rate of $112 per ton. This is considerably
more than is currently charged by local recycling companies that
receive C&D debris. In addition, the local recycling facilities
are located much closer to the urban center which creates less
traffic and reduces our carbon footprint.
By restricting recycling the county is choosing not to commit to
the recycling goals already mandated in AB939 and to abandon Zero
Waste initiatives.
We understand the county has some tough choices to make
regarding the current state of its solid waste system and the
divestiture project, but these decisions should not be made at the
expense of small independent recycling organizations which are
fully permitted and operate in accordance with the Sonoma County
Countywide Integrated Waste Management Plan.
We urge every citizen to call the Sonoma County Board of
Supervisors and their city councils to request the county revise
the divestiture project proposal to encourage C&D debris
recycling and other recycling opportunities in the county by
eliminating the flow control requirement, and support the continued
operation in the county of small independent recycling
organizations.
Norman de Vall
Executive Director
SCRRA