A Report on Solid Waste Management: The Trashing of California

Report #96, July 1989

OVERVIEW

California has a garbage crisis. With the entire state slated to run out of landfill capacity by the year 2000, there is a drastic need for state leadership, a move away from landfills and the aggressive pursuit of alternative disposal technologies. In addition, the Commission found that despite a state law that outlines an effective policy of solid waste management, California continues to rely on landfills to get rid of its garbage.

The report’s five recommendations include the creation of: a statewide program that makes source reduction the first priority; county programs regarding solid waste management; and a more effective lead agency on solid waste management.