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Authority adopts amended legislative advocacy guidance, adds CRV language on refillable/recyclable containers
Summary
Del Norte Solid Waste Management Authority approved revised principles to guide staff advocacy on bills, including new language recommending the California redemption value program cover only beverage containers that can be practically refilled or recycled.
The Del Norte Solid Waste Management Authority voted unanimously to adopt amended guiding principles for legislative advocacy that instruct staff on when to communicate the authority’s position on state bills. The board also approved new language urging that California Redemption Value (CRV) programs and related support prioritize containers that are practically refillable or recyclable.
The change was presented as an update to existing guidance the authority uses to respond quickly to state legislation when meetings cannot be convened in time. Staff noted the board will still be asked to sign off on letters when time allows, but the principles give staff a consistent framework for expedited responses with the chair’s approval.
Why it matters: staff said the revision responds to recent statewide policy changes — including SB 54 (single-use packaging regulation) and recent expansions to the bottle bill — and to practical problems that arose when packaged wine and boxed beverage containers were folded into deposit-return programs. Staff explained that some containers (for example boxed wine bladders) are not recyclable or refillable in practice, so the authority’s guidance now recommends CRV inclusion be limited to containers that can actually be recycled or refilled and to support refill programs where feasible.
Board action and comments: the motion to approve the amended guiding principles carried on a roll-call vote with Commissioners Tompkins, Greenough and Wright and Acting Chair Short voting "yes." During public comment one resident asked whether removing the bladder from boxed wine and flattening the cardboard makes the box recyclable; staff confirmed that if the bladder is removed, the cardboard can be recycled but is not eligible for CRV funds unless it meets program rules.
Ending: Staff will use the adopted principles when drafting and, where timely response is required, signing advocacy letters; the authority will report such letters at the next board meeting to keep members informed.
