Consultants say Taft largely implemented state recycling rules but must shore up records and compost procurement

HF&H Consultants senior associate Caitlin Barboza and program manager Philip Manolfi presented a performance review and gap analysis of Taft’s solid-waste and recycling programs during the City Council meeting May 5.

Barboza told the council that Taft and its hauler, Westside Waste, have implemented the required collection programs driven by state law but that the city’s implementation record needs refinement. She said the state’s review process will inspect both records and on‑the‑ground operations, and that weak documentation of education, inspections and enforcement could trigger notices or penalties. “There are a lot of data points in the implementation record,” Barboza said, and the state will expect granular documentation of education distribution, inspections and related actions.

The consultants flagged compost and mulch procurement as the program area most commonly out of compliance statewide and noted Taft’s current status as only partially compliant. Manolfi said Taft’s estimated annual procurement need is roughly 350–400 tons, which the city would likely move in multiple semi‑truck loads. He described county partnerships and procurement credits as options under consideration and said HF&H is meeting with Kern County staff to identify local outlets and lower‑cost solutions. “We’re meeting with Kern County this week to see how they can help facilitate compliance,” Manolfi said.

Council members and attendees pressed the consultants on costs and local impacts. A council member said the city’s transition to a three‑container system increased collection trips and diesel use; a speaker characterized the program as “horribly expensive” and said household collection costs have risen substantially, citing a multiyear increase figure. The consultants responded that some cost increases are expected and that producer responsibility programs and funding mechanisms are designed to recoup packaging‑related costs, but that those costs may ultimately be passed along to consumers.

Barboza and Manolfi also explained the compliance timeline: CalRecycle’s jurisdictional reviews will begin in 2027 and recur every four years; noncompliance can lead to notices and potential fines. HF&H recommended improved city record‑keeping and targeted outreach to increase participation in on‑call bulky‑item collection and to document inspections and enforcement actions more clearly.

The presentation concluded with staff commitments to pursue county partnerships for compost procurement and to refine reporting with Westside Waste. City staff said they would keep the council informed as procurement options and cost estimates are refined.

The council took no formal policy vote on the presentation; the discussion will inform future staff recommendations and possible procurement or budget decisions.