Rethink Waste adopts extended producer responsibility resolution

The Rethink Waste board of directors adopted a resolution to support extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs and policies at its Nov. 19, 2015, board meeting. Support for EPR policies is in alignment with the agency’s mission and guiding principles set out in its 2015 long range plan (LRP), which highlights the need for product stewardship programs and increased participation in related initiatives.

Rethink Waste is a joint powers authority of 12 public agencies (Atherton, Belmont, Burlingame, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Hillsborough, Menlo Park, Redwood City, San Carlos, San Mateo, the County of San Mateo and the West Bay Sanitary District) in San Mateo County, California, and is considered a leader in the delivery of innovative waste reduction and recycling programs.

EPR, also known as product stewardship, is designed to address the environmental impact associated with the production and disposal of goods. EPR policies shift the responsibility of disposal costs from the general public to the producer while also encouraging improved product design to minimize waste and pollution. “Adopting this Resolution is an important policy step in our efforts to achieve 75 percent waste diversion by 2020 and provide efficient and cost-effective waste management and recycling programs,” says Kevin McCarthy, executive director of Rethink Waste.

Product stewardship policies are widely used around the world for products such as electronics and packaging materials. In 2007, CalRecycle developed a set of guidelines that included product stewardship and the creation of producer funded and managed programs for proper recycling and disposal. These policies have established collection systems for mercury thermostats, paint, carpet and mattresses—products that typically involve higher recycling and disposal costs. With assistance from the California Product Stewardship Council, many local governments throughout the state of California, including the counties of San Francisco, Alameda and Los Angeles, support these programs through the adoption of product stewardship resolutions.

“We are extremely excited at the passing of the Resolution in support of EPR programs,” says Heidi Sanborn, executive director of the California Product Stewardship Council, “and we look forward to working with Rethink Waste to further develop these policies that have a positive affect not just locally but [also] statewide.”