Once a year, it is time for us to calculate our
“waste diversion rate” (that’s its official term – for most of
us, the term recycling rate probably makes more sense) and report
it to the state. That time is right now and I am happy to report
that our calculated diversion rate for 2002 was exactly 50
percent.
Once a year, it is time for us to calculate our “waste diversion rate” (that’s its official term – for most of us, the term recycling rate probably makes more sense) and report it to the state. That time is right now and I am happy to report that our calculated diversion rate for 2002 was exactly 50 percent.
Those of you in the know will recall that 50 percent is the magic number when it comes to waste diversion rates because 50 percent is the number mandated by State law. Those of you with a good memory will recall that our diversion rate for 2000 and 2001 was 53 percent and 47 percent respectively.
So why does this rate change so much? While it’s a bit hard to explain – I’ll do my best to describe the state’s calculation method. The major factor influencing the rate is how much waste we throw away in Morgan Hill.
Naturally, people tend to buy more stuff and build more buildings when the economy is good – which usually results in more waste. The good news is that this one item is entirely within our control. The more we recycle and purchase less wasteful products, the more we don’t throw away. In 2001 we, as a community, threw away more waste and our diversion rate suffered as a result.
The secondary factors influencing the rate include the number of jobs, sales tax receipts, and population in the community. Because of all of these different factors that go into the equation, we can’t do our calculation until the state’s worksheet is ready which was just recently for the 2002 year.
So … Good work Morgan Hill! We should be proud of our accomplishment in reaching the 50 percent goal for 2002. Thanks to all of you who participate in our recycling programs and do your best not to be wasteful.
Eco-Fact of the Week: 33,571 tons of Morgan Hill waste found its way into a California landfill in 2002.
Eco-Web Pages of the Week: In the unlikely event that you’d like to learn more about the State’s calculation methodology, visit www.ciwmb.ca.gov/LGCentral/DivMeasure/ and peruse the California Integrated Waste Management Board’s site.
Anthony Eulo is an assistant to the city manager for the City of Morgan Hill who definitely achieves his 50 percent diversion at home. He welcomes your questions, comments, and thoughts and can be reached at en*****@************ca.gov or 779-7247.
