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Solid Waste advisory committee presents 2025 priorities; supervisors press for clearer diversion data
Summary
The county's Solid Waste Advisory Committee reviewed its membership, recent work on SB 1383 (organic recycling) and 2025 goals; supervisors asked staff to provide clearer diversion metrics and to attach governing documents to future presentations.
The El Dorado County Solid Waste Advisory Committee (EDSWAC) presented its 2025 overview and priorities to the Board of Supervisors on June 24, outlining membership, recent priorities tied to state law and planned public education.
Committee member Dina Watkins Howie delivered the committee's presentation, recapping EDSWAC's statutory origin (created in 1990 following the California Integrated Waste Management Act) and its advisory role to the board. She said EDSWAC's 2025 priorities include supporting implementation of organic recycling under SB 1383, continuing HHW and inert programs, and completing updates to the county integrated waste management and solid waste management plans.
Supervisors asked staff and the committee for better, board-ready metrics about diversion rates and whether county recycling targets are being met. "We don't hear what those are. Are we making it? Are we close?" a supervisor asked. Staff and committee members said environmental management will provide more detailed program information and that CalRecycle grants have been used to fund some work on organics.
Public commenters, including Chris Paine, noted local operational challenges in rural areas where drop-off and group collection sites vary widely and urged tailored approaches. Committee members described challenges including evolving state recycling rules, contamination in the waste stream, siting of facilities and keeping rates affordable for ratepayers.
There was no formal board action; the board received the presentation and asked staff to provide follow-up data about diversion rates, programs underway and whether state targets are likely to be met.
Ending: Staff agreed to return with clearer diversion metrics and background documents, and the board asked the clerk to attach committee bylaws and organizing documents to future committee presentations.
