Executive Director Updates

Executive Director Report to CRRA Members

January 2015

First Recycling Facility Financing Seminar Planned for January 29, 2015 in Oakland

The first Recycling Facility Financing Seminar is scheduled for January 29 at the Elihu M. Harris State Office Building in Oakland.   A second Financing Seminar is being scheduled for February 26 at the City of Lakewood City Council Chambers in Southern California.   The Seminar planning has been a joint effort of CRRA, CalRecycle, the California Pollution Control Financing Authority (CPCFA), the financial advisory firm, Montague DeRose, and the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (I-Bank).

The Financing Seminars will focus on public and private financing of recycling facilities through tax exempt bonds, grants and loans and other assistance with a special emphasis on organics and the organic recycling imperative created by the recent enactment of AB 1826. CalRecycle, CPCFA and I-Bank will each be making presentations along with a presentation by a private sector financing panel. Roundtable meetings will be held after the presentations.   

CRRA - SWANA Zero Waste Course and Certification Partnership Draft Memorandum of Understanding Approved by CRRA Board of Directors

On January 15, 2015 the CRRA Board of Director unanimously approved the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) pertaining to a Zero Waste course and certification partnership with SWANA. SWANA leadership meets in late January and will discuss the draft MOU.

The course and certification partnership would include 1) consolidation of curriculum materials and instruction, 2) joint marketing to members, and 3) contracted out administration. In the certification partnership both organizations would maintain their brand identities.

The joint course and certification offering will permit CRRA to re-engage over 770 individuals who either have received CRRA certification or are “in-process” to complete the certification program.   

2016 CRRA Annual Conference and Trade Show – Final Negotiations with the Doubletree Hotel in Sacramento

We continue to appreciate the City of Sacramento and County of Sacramento’s generous offer to host and financially participate in our 2016 Annual Conference and Trade Show through the Sacramento Regional Solid Waste Authority (SWA).

We are in final contract negotiations with the Doubletree Hotel in Sacramento. The Doubletree appears to be an excellent choice for our CRRA 2016 Annual Conference. It is more affordable for CRRA than the previous proposal received from the Sacramento Sheraton Grand and the Sacramento Convention Center. The Doubletree room rates are reasonable for our conference registrants. Our traditional August dates are available. There is ample room at the Doubletree for all of our events and there are multiple affordable restaurant opportunities within walking distance of the hotel.

In December we terminated negotiations with the Sheraton Grand and the Sacramento Convention Center due to high expected expense for CRRA and registrants, challenging venue logistics and less-than-desirable available days that could have resulted in a very compressed conference schedule.

2015 Sponsorship Program Approved by CRRA Board of Directors

On January 15, 2015 the Board approved the following guidelines for our sponsorship program for 2015:  

In 2015, CRRA sponsorship will also include more recognition and social media opportunities than in past years. A full chart describing membership, registration, exhibit space, recognition and social media opportunities will be posted on the website this month.   

The Board also instructed staff to explore some additional sponsorship opportunities pertaining to specific Annual Conference events including an International Zero Waste Roundtable, the conference opening reception and the awards ceremony.

2015 Annual Conference Committee Work Accelerates

The January 9 deadline for submitting proposals has passed and the Conference Program Committee is beginning to review proposals submitted by individuals and by those proposing complete sessions. The full CRRA Conference Executive Committee will meet via conference call on January 22. Committee volunteers for the multiple conference committees will be appointed shortly.  

Executive Director Report to CRRA Members

October 2014

Government Relations – Legislative Updates

Governor Signs AB 1594 – Alternative Daily Cover, AB 1826 – Organics from Landfills,   AB 270 – Phase Out of Single Use Plastic Bags

In the last days of September the Governor signed AB 1594, AB 1826 and SB 270 landmark recycling bills that place California once again in the forefront of national recycling policy and, with AB 1594 and AB 1826, links these new recycling mandates directly to California’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.   

AB 1594, authored by Assemblymember Das Williams, specifies that green material (i.e., yard trimmings and untreated wood waste) used as alternative daily cover in landfills does not constitute diversion and shall instead be considered disposal beginning in 2020. The bill requires jurisdictions to report on how they will meet these diversion requirements and to address any barriers that would prevent a jurisdiction from meeting these requirements. CRRA submitted a letter of support for this bill and voiced support for the bill throughout the legislative process.

AB 1826, authored by Assemblymember Wes Chesbro, requires commercial recycling of organic waste starting in 2016 for businesses generating eight cubic yards or more of organic waste per week. AB 1826 also requires local jurisdictions to develop organic waste recycling programs. CRRA submitted a letter of support for this bill and voiced support for the bill throughout the legislative process.

Heavily lobbied, AB 270 will phase out single use plastic bags in California and will be the first state in the country to do so. CRRA contacted Assembly members to support the bill and sent a letter of support to the Governor’s office.

2015 Annual Conference and Trade Show Planning Meeting Scheduled for October 14

On October 14 our 2015 CRRA conference team will meet in-person and on a conference call with Karen Coca, Nady Maechling and others from the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation to discuss our upcoming 2015 conference scheduled for August 4 -7. Topics will include conference theme and logo, hotel arrangements, call for submissions and program participation, program printing, keynote speakers, elected officials, the city’s new franchise system, tour destinations and off-site social opportunities.

2016 Annual Conference and Trade Show – Researching Sacramento Venues

We continue to appreciate the City of Sacramento and County of Sacramento’s generous offer to host and financially participate in our 2016 Annual Conference and Trade Show through the Sacramento Regional Solid Waste Authority (SWA). Through Global Cynergies we are continuing to research hotel, Convention Center and Memorial Auditorium availability for July or August 2106. The Sacramento Convention Center policy has changed as the economy has improved and a high priority has been placed on accommodating the largest conferences first, defined as those with a peak room night occupancy of at least 500 rooms.  

CRRA - SWANA Potential Certification Partnership Discussion Scheduled for October 6 - 8

On October 6-8 I will be in Silver Spring, Maryland working with SWANA Deputy Director Sara Bixby to develop a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will address a certification program partnership. The certification partnership could include 1) consolidation of curriculum materials and instruction, 2) joint marketing to members, and 3) contracted out administration. In a potential certification partnership both organizations would maintain their brand identities. A final MOU would be subject to approval by both the CRRA and SWANA Boards.

Board Certification Liaison Colleen Foster, Sara Bixby and I developed a comprehensive matrix chart that identified the key features of both a joint CRRA-SWANA certification program and a CRRA-only certification program. This was presented to the CRRA Board in September.  

During 2014 our CRRA Ad Hoc Certification Committee provided valuable information and insights to 1) identify the best mix and formatting for courses, 2) consider the inclusion of more sustainable materials life cycle and climate change content, 3) focus certification on mid-career professionals, 4) evaluate the requirements contained in the national standards, and 5) review opportunities to leverage certification course work with SWANA.   

Recycling Facility Financing Seminars Planning Meetings Ongoing

On September 16 Board President Rob Hilton and I met in Sacramento with representatives from CalRecycle (including Caroll Mortensen, Dr. Howard Levenson), the California Pollution Control Financing Authority (CPCFA), CPCFA’s financial advisory firm, Montague DeRose, and from the California Infrastructure and  Economic Development Bank to discuss the feasibility of sponsoring joint financing seminars in 2015. The seminars will focus on financing recycling facilities through tax exempt bonds, grants and loans and other assistance with a special emphasis on organics and the organic recycling imperative created by the recent enactment of AB 1826.

A smaller working group met on October 1 and will reconvene in mid-October. The working group is focusing on the formatting, logistics and marketing of the seminars. The immediate goal is to offer the first financing seminar in the Bay Area in January of 2015.

2014 Waste Management Conference and Exhibit/Southern California Waste Management Forum

In order to develop deeper connections with waste and recycling professionals and current and potential members and sponsors I will be attending the Southern California Waste Management Forum’s 2014 Waste Management Conference in Pomona, California on November 12. A leading topic at the conference will be the impact of new legislation on organic waste management.

CRRA Executive Director Report to Members

August – September 2014

2014 San Jose Annual Conference and Trade Show a Success

Over 700 registrants attended our 38^th Annual Conference and Trade Show at The Fairmont Hotel in San Jose on August 3 -6, 2014. Sixty exhibitors filled the exhibit hall. Thirty-eight CRRA sponsors were recognized throughout the Conference. Almost fifty sessions were held on a range of topics including recycling, organics, zero waste and climate change. The City of San Jose, the California Product Stewardship Council and CRRA conducted a joint awards ceremony. 

Our keynote speakers included Dr. Allen Hershkowitz, Senior Scientist with the Natural Resources Defense Council who has developed institutional greening programs for the Academy Awards, the GRAMMY Awards, and professional sports, Sadhu Johnston, Assistant City Manager of Vancouver, British Columbia and former Director of Sustainability for the City of Chicago, and Dr. Russell Hancock, President and CEO of Joint Venture Silicon Valley.

Thank you Patty Morgan and her staff from Red Shoe Solutions (our conference manager) and to all the City of San Jose and CRRA volunteers who made this Conference possible! 

2015 Annual Conference and Trade Show Scheduled for Los Angeles

Mark your calendars for August 4 -7, 2015 when CRRA hosts its 39^th Annual Conference and Trade Show in Los Angeles at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. In 2015 the City of Los Angeles moves from an open market solid waste hauling system to a zero waste-based exclusive franchise system with specific goals that are designed to remove over a million tons of resources from landfill disposal each year by 2015. We will be on hand for this historic development in the journey toward zero waste!   

2016 Annual Conference and Trade Show – Sacramento Offers to Host

We appreciate the City of Sacramento and County of Sacramento’s generous offer to host our 2016 Annual Conference and Trade Show through the Sacramento Regional Solid Waste Authority (SWA). We are researching hotel availability and exhibit hall options prior to making a final commitment to SWA.    

Government Relations – Legislative Updates

AB 1594 – Alternative Daily Cover - Heads to the Governor’s Office

On August 28 the Assembly concurred with Senate amendments to AB 1594 which passed the Senate on August 27. After engrossing and enrolling, the bill will be sent to the Governor’s office. 

AB 1594, authored by Assemblymember Das Williams, specifies that green material (i.e., yard trimmings and untreated wood waste) used as alternative daily cover in landfills does not constitute diversion and shall instead be considered disposal beginning in 2020. The bill requires jurisdictions to report on how they will meet these diversion requirements and to address any barriers that would prevent a jurisdiction from meeting these requirements. CRRA submitted letters of support for this bill and voiced support for the bill throughout the legislative process.

AB 1826 – Removing Organics from Landfills - With Governor’s Office

On August 21 AB 1826 was forwarded to the Governor’s office after the Assembly concurred with Senate amendments on August 14 by a vote of 55 - 22. On August 11 the Senate had voted to pass the bill by a vote of 23 -11.

AB 1826, authored by Assemblymember Wes Chesbro, would require commercial recycling of organic waste starting in 2016 for businesses generating eight cubic yards or more of organic waste per week. AB 1826 also requires local jurisdictions to develop organic waste recycling programs. CRRA submitted a letter of support for this bill and voiced support for the bill throughout the legislative process.

AB 270 - Senate Passes Single Use Plastic Bag Phase Out Bill

In a dramatic final late night session on August 29 the Senate concurred in the Assembly’s amendments to  AB 270 by a vote of  22 -15. A thirty-minute debate preceded the vote.  Senators Padilla, de Leon and Lara each spoke on behalf of the bill.  After rejecting passage of AB 270 on August 25, the Assembly reversed their vote and passed the bill on August 28 by a vote of 44- 29.

Heavily lobbied, AB 270 will phase out single use plastic bags in California and will be the first state in the country to do so. CRRA contacted Assembly members and encouraged CRRA members to  contact Assembly members and ask them to support the bill.        

 Certification Program Update – CRRA- SWANA Potential Partnership Discussions Ongoing

During our Annual Conference I met with SWANA Deputy Director Sara Bixby and  SWANA Board Vice President Michelle Leonard to discuss the possibility of a CRRA – SWANA certification partnership. The partnership could include 1) consolidation of curriculum materials and instruction, 2) joint marketing to members, and 3) contracted out administration. In a potential certification partnership both organizations would maintain their brand identities.

Board Liaison Colleen Foster, Sara Bixby and I have been working on a matrix chart to identify the key features of both a joint CRRA-SWANA certification program and a CRRA-only certification program. Colleen Foster and I will have a recommendation for the CRRA Board in September.  

During 2014 our CRRA Ad Hoc Certification Committee has provided valuable information and insights to 1) identify the best mix of courses, 2) consider the inclusion of more sustainable materials life cycle and climate change content, 3) focus our certification on mid-career professionals, 4) evaluate the requirements contained in the national standards, and 5) review opportunities to leverage course work with SWANA.   

Recycling Facility Financing Workshop Planning Meeting September 16

On September 16 Board President Rob Hilton and I will meet in Sacramento with representatives from CalRecycle (including Dr. Howard Levenson), the California Pollution Control Financing Authority (CPCFA), and from CPCFA’s financial advisory firm,  Montague DeRose, to discuss the feasibility of sponsoring joint seminars on tax-exempt financing for recycling businesses in California. In addition, we will discuss how best to integrate CalRecycle’s grant and loan programs, especially those related to Cap and Trade funds, into the proposed workshop format.

With the likely enactment of AB 1826, the need for public and private recycling facilities to process commercial organic waste will increase dramatically in California. 

If feasible, workshops would be scheduled in the late  2014 and early 2015 in northern and southern California.

Williams and Olds Selected as the New Accounting Firm for CRRA

On August 21, the CRRA Board approved Sacramento-based Williams and Olds as the new accounting firm for CRRA. The firm will handle both bookkeeping and accounting beginning November 1.  The firm is familiar with CRRA’s mission and programs, they currently do our tax filings, and they were very price competitive vis a vis other firms that responded to our Request for Proposals.

June 2014

CRRA Elections Conclude

Elections for CRRA Board of Directors and Technical Council Executive Committee positions closed June 6.  There were candidates in each of the three Board Districts and thirty–two Executive Committee candidate nominations spread over eight Technical Councils. The Board of Directors will approve the certified results on June 19 and candidates will be notified thereafter. New Board members will be invited to the August 2 Board meeting in San Jose.

Government Relations – Legislative Updates

Governor's Budget Proposal for Cap and Trade Investment Plan –  On June 5 & 6 I contacted the offices of State Senators Leno, Hancock, Lara, Neilson and State Assemblymembers Bloom. Gorrel, Skinner and Weber, who are the members of the Senate-Assembly Budget Conference Committee, to express our support for re-inclusion of Cal Recycle’s $30 million waste diversion proposal into the Cap and Trade Expenditure Plan (non-transportation) budget deliberations. The Cal Recycle plan would provide needed investment for waste reduction, recycling and recycled content manufacturing infrastructure development. 

On June 2 CRRA joined a large coalition of organizations advocating a “Blended Approach” to investing the proceeds of the Cap and Trade Auction. This approach would include the Cal Recycle proposal. 

For reasons unexplained, the Cal Recycle proposal was rejected by the Senate Budget Committee prior consideration by the Conference Committee. 

On, April 4 I attended the Senate Budget Committee hearing on the Governor's Budget Proposal for Cap & Trade Investment Plan.  

State agencies with Cap and Trade allocation programs testified before the Committee regarding their proposed budget allocations. Cal Recycle Deputy Director Ken DaRosa testified briefly as well. Cal Recycle proposed investing $30 million annually for two years with 1) $20 million to be applied annually for grants and loans for in-state development of infrastructure to process organic material and recyclable commodities into new-value added products, and 2) the remaining $10 million annually to be used to establish a GHG revolving loan fund to provide financial assistance through low-interest loans for recycling market development zones.    

CRRA, through our Policy Committee, submitted a letter of support on March 21. I spoke briefly on April 4 in support of the $30 million allocation of the Cap and Trade Investment Plan to Cal Recycle. I stated that the benefits that would result from new or expanded clean composting and anaerobic digestion facilities would divert more material from landfills and thereby reducing methane emissions.    

AB 1594 Passes Assembly - On May 29 the California Assembly passed Assemblymember Das Williams’ alternative daily cover bill, AB 1594 by a vote of 52 -14. The bill now goes to the Senate Environmental Quality Committee for a hearing, likely in June.

AB 1594 specifies that green material (i.e., yard trimmings and untreated wood waste) used as alternative daily cover in landfills does not constitute diversion and shall instead be considered disposal beginning in 2020. Letters to the Committee and testimony was overwhelmingly favorable regarding passage of the legislation. CRRA, through the Policy Committee, submitted a letter of support for this bill on April 14. I voiced CRRA support of the legislation during Assembly committee hearings.

AB 1826 Passes Assembly – on May 15 the California Assembly passed Assemblymember and Committee Chair Wesley Chesbro’s organics bill AB 1826 by a voted of 53 -22. The bill, like AB 1594, now goes to the Senate Environmental Quality Committee for a hearing, likely in June.

AB 1826 would require commercial recycling of organic waste starting in 2016 for businesses generating eight cubic yards or more of organic waste. The legislation also requires that each local jurisdiction develop an organic waste recycling program. Letters to the Committee and testimony was overwhelmingly favorable regarding passage of the legislation. CRRA, through the Policy Committee, submitted a letter of support for this bill on April 14. I voiced CRRA support of the legislation during Assembly committee hearings.

Ad Hoc Certification Committee to Meet in Mid - June    

We have initiated conversations with SWANA to explore the feasibility of developing a certification partnership that could include 1) consolidation of curriculum materials, 2) joint marketing, and 3) contract out administration. Our early discussions are designed to compare our curriculum materials with the SWANA Managing Recycling System Course workbook. 

We will discuss how best to facilitate review this on our mid-June conference call.

The Committee has discussed the core curriculum for 2015 including 1) the best mix of courses, 2) inclusion of more sustainable materials life cycle and climate change content, 3) our need to focus on mid-career professionals, 4) requirements contained in the national standards, and 5) opportunities to leverage course work with SWANA.

In May the Ad Hoc Certification Committee discussed a curriculum proposal presented by several Committee members that would comply with the accreditation standards of the National Recycling Coalition National Standards Board. Topics and questions included:

a) Should classes be taught sequentially over several days (the SWANA model) or would offering individual classes around the state meet more of the student market? Trying both methods as well as offering all classes on-line was also mentioned.     

b) Will reducing the elective classes from four hours to three hours impact content? The general view appeared to be that would not be the case. 

c) How can we best to integrate GHG, climate change and materials life cycle content into the certification program - through each class or in a single class, for example? Possible passage of AB 1826 in California to remove organics from landfills will create a big demand for information on how best to implement such programs. One suggestion was to remove the Overview class from the curriculum proposal and insert another GHG, climate change, materials life cycle class. 

d) Should we develop a core curriculum that meets needs specific to California and secondarily work to apply it to national standards? One comment was that our integration of more GHG, climate change and materials life cycle content could lead to changes in the national standard.

Website Consolidation and Redesign Project in Final Stages

We are well underway with our long awaited website consolidation and redesign project. Board member Monica Devincenzi and I have been working with the firm of M3iworks. We have selected a layout to make our site more visually attractive and easier for members to access information, renew membership and sign up for events such as the annual conference. At the same time the design stays within design guidelines adopted in recent years by the Board.

In addition to refreshed design work, we are better integrating our systems using Drupal , the open source content management system, and retaining Wild Apricot, our member management software. This project will create a full one-stop-shop for our members, combine two sites - crra.com and crra.us- and make significant improvements in website security.

The Devcom Committee will likely preview and critique the site in June. We expect to launch the re-designed site in early July.

Annual Conference Update

As of June 6 almost 300 individuals have registered for the Annual Conference in San Jose and about two/thirds of the exhibit space has been reserved. We expect registrations to be very strong in June and July and the exhibit space to sell out.

Three nationally notable speakers have contracted to speak - 1) Dr. Allen Hershkowitz, Senior Scientist with the Natural Resources Defense Council who has developed institutional greening programs for the Academy Awards, the GRAMMY Awards, and professional sports  including baseball, basketball and hockey, 2) Sadhu Johnston, Assistant City Manager of Vancouver, British Columbia and former Chief Environmental Officer for the City of Chicago, and 3) Dr. Russell Hancock, President and CEO of Joint Venture Silicon Valley and internationally known advocate of regional joint ventures.

CRRA Welcomes New and Returning Sponsors

As of June 6, twenty-nine organizations have paid or have been invoiced for CRRA sponsorship for 2014 - 2015. An additional six organizations are either currently deciding on their sponsorship levels or

awaiting budget approval prior to signing a sponsorship agreement. Our largest sponsor is the City of San Jose at $30,000 followed by the Technical Advisory Committee of the Santa Clara County Recycling and Waste Reduction Commission at $10,000. We have changed our policy to assure that all sponsors receive a full calendar year of recognition on our website and in our other materials.

We continue to pursue more sponsorship each week and all leads are welcome!

CRRA Elections Underway

Nominations for CRRA Board of Directors and Technical Council Executive Committee positions closed April 25.  Campaign packets went out May 2 to Board candidates. There are candidates in each of the three Board Districts and eight Technical Councils. The Board approves the ballot on May 15. Elections open May 19.

2014 Annual Conference Keynote Speakers Contracted

Working with our very active Keynote Speaker Committee I have confirmed attendance and contracted with three outstanding keynote speakers for our 2014 Annual Conference - Sadhu Johnston, Deputy City Manager of Vancouver, Canada, Dr. Allen Hershkowitz, Senior Scientist with the Natural Resources Defense Council, and Dr. Russell Hancock, President and CEO of Joint Venture Silicon Valley.  Nils Moe, Managing Director of the Urban Sustainability Directors Network, will introduce Sadhu Johnston. The Conference Committee will be introducing these names and their backgrounds in greater depth as part of our ongoing conference marketing over the next few weeks.

2015 Annual Conference - Los Angeles Conference Hotel and City Sponsorship Confirmed

On May 1 the Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles countersigned the contract to host CRRA’s 2015 Annual Conference. Closely tied to that arrangement is the City’s Bureau of Sanitation commitment to provide $30,000 in cash sponsorship along with other in-kind services as well as senior officials as potential speakers.    This concludes a multi-month process of vetting various Los Angeles hotels for accommodations, flexibility and value. The CRRA Board approved the hotel contract in mid-April.

 Ad Hoc Certification Committee Focuses on Curriculum     

On April 4 CRRA’s the Board-appointed Ad Hoc Certification Committee held its initial conference call.  Committee members recommended that recertification credit should be offered throughout the full Conference and not be limited to a single track. This is the dire4ction we are pursuing. The possibility of offering some certification courses on August 3 at Conference was suggested. This will be discussed further by the Board.

The core curriculum for 2015 was discussed including the 1) best mix of courses, 2) inclusion of more sustainable materials life cycle and climate change content, 3) need to focus on mid-career professionals, 4) requirements contained in the national standards, and 5) opportunities to leverage course work with SWANA.

On May 1 the Ad Hoc Certification Committee met again.  The Committee discussed a curriculum proposal presented by several Committee members that would comply with the accreditation standards of the National Recycling Coalition National Standards Board. Topics and questions included:

a) Should classes be taught sequentially over several days (the SWANA model) or would offering individual classes around the state meet more of the student market? Trying both methods as well as offering all classes on-line were also mentioned.     

b) Will reducing the elective classes from four hours to three hours impact content? The general view appeared to be that would not be the case.

c) How can we best to integrate GHG, climate change and materials life cycle content into the certification program - through each class or in a single class, for example? Possible passage of legislation in California to remove organics from landfills will create a big demand for information on how best to implement such programs. One suggestion was to remove the Overview class from the curriculum proposal and insert another GHG, climate change, materials life cycle class. 

d) Should we develop a core curriculum that meets needs specific to California and secondarily work to apply it to national standards? One comment was that our integration of more GHG, climate change and materials life cycle content could lead to changes in the national standard.

These topics will go back to the Curriculum Working Group for further discussion.

On April 9 CRRA offered to explore with SWANA a strategic partnership that might include 1) course integration, 2) joint marketing, and 3) contracted-out administration. We want to set up some conference call and meetings with SWANA leadership to see what is actually possible this year. Key policy and partnership decisions for CRRA would need to be approved by the Board.     

Government Relations – Agency and Legislative Activities

Meeting with Cal Recycle Director Caroll Mortensen - On April 1 Board President Tracie Bills, Board Treasurer Rob Hilton and I met with Cal Recycle Director Caroll Mortensen, Ken DaRosa (Chief Deputy Director) and  Mark Oldfield (Assistant Director of Public Affairs).

We shared our goals related to membership growth and engagement, annual conference, professional certification and strategic collaboration. Our primary focus at the meeting was to share how the organization is changing and to offer ideas regarding how we can collaborate and work with Cal Recycle.

We specifically we explored the potential for joint workshops. The topics could include financing, mandatory commercial organics and permitting and siting organics facilities. In addition we discussed ways to develop young professionals including promoting their attendance at our Annual Conference. Caroll Mortensen promised to get back to us on these proposals once she has discussed them with her Executive Committee.

Cal Recycle Thermal Resource Recovery Hearing Cancelled - Cal Recycle scheduled then cancelled an April 29 workshop on thermal resource recovery. The goal of the workshop was to address “longstanding concerns regarding the multiple barriers to siting waste to energy facilities.”  The workshop announcement also noted that “…new policy approaches are needed to develop a pathway for recovery of energy, fuels and chemicals from solid waste residual that  cannot be recycled”  The workshop is projected to be re-scheduled in late May or June.

Governor's Budget Proposal for Cap and Trade Investment Plan Hearing – on April 4 I attended the Senate Budget Committee hearing on the Governor's Budget Proposal for Cap & Trade Investment Plan. 

State agencies with Cap and Trade allocation programs testified before the Committee regarding their proposed budget allocations. Cal Recycle Deputy Director Ken DaRosa testified briefly as well. For Cal Recycle, the budget proposes $30 million annually for two years. $20 million will be used annually for grants and loans for in-state development of infrastructure to process organic material and recyclable commodities into new-value added products. The remaining $10 million annually will be used to establish a GHG revolving loan fund to provide financial assistance through low-interest loans for recycling market development zones.  A significant amount of time was spent taking testimony from the High Speed Rail Authority and the Department of Transportation

Committee Chair Beall was most interested in working with the state agencies over the next few weeks to quantify the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reductions from each prospective program and to use the same methodology to compare where the most reductions could be achieved.

Ultimately, the Senate Budget Committee can negotiate with the Governor's office over the reallocation of Cap and Trade funds between agencies.

CRRA, through the Policy Committee, submitted a letter of support on March 21. I spoke briefly in support of the $30 million allocation of the Cap and Trade Investment Plan to Cal Recycle. I stated that the benefits that would result from new or expanded clean composting and anaerobic digestion facilities would divert more material from landfills and thereby reducing methane emissions.    

Hearing on AB 1594 - On April 28 I attended the Assembly Committee of Natural Resources hearing on AB 1594 and AB 1826. AB 1594, authored by Assembly member Das Williams, specifies that green material (i.e., yard trimmings and untreated wood waste) used as alternative daily cover in landfills does not constitute diversion and shall instead be considered disposal beginning in 2020. Letters to the Committee and testimony was overwhelmingly favorable regarding passage of the legislation. CRRA, through the Policy Committee, submitted a letter of support for this bill on April 14. I voiced CRRA support of the legislation during the hearings.

AB 1594 passed the Committee 5 -3 and has been sent to the Appropriations Committee.

Hearing on AB 1826 - authored by Assembly member and Committee Chair Wesley Chesbro would require commercial recycling of organic waste starting in 2016 for businesses generating eight cubic yards or more organic waste. The legislation also requires that each local jurisdiction develop an organic waste recycling program. Letters to the Committee and testimony was verwhelmingly favorable regarding passage of the legislation. CRRA, through the Policy Committee, submitted a letter of support for this bill on April 14. I voiced CRRA support of the legislation during the hearings.

AB 1826 passed the Committee 5 -2 and was sent to the Appropriations Committee. An additional hearing on AB 1826 has been scheduled before the Appropriations Committee on May 7.

Hearing on AB 1893 - On April 29 I attended Assembly Health Committee hearing on AB 1893, a bill that requires that a sharps waste container be sold with the purchase of sharps in California. The bill was jointly sponsored by the California Product Stewardship Council and the California Refuse Recycling Council.  CRRA, through the Policy Committee, submitted a letter of support for this bill on April 21. I voiced CRRA support of the legislation during the hearings.

AB 1893 passed the Committee on a vote of 11 - 4 and was sent to the Appropriations Committee.

Website Consolidation and Redesign Project Underway

We are well underway with our long awaited website consolidation and redesign project. Board member Monica Devincenzi and I have been working with the firm of M3iworks, headquartered in Santa Cruz. We have selected a layout to make our site more visually attractive and easier for members to access information, renew membership and sign up for events such as the annual conference. At the same time the design stays within design guidelines adopted in recent years by the Board.

In addition to refreshed design work, we are better integrating our systems using Drupal , the open source content management system, and retaining Wild Apricot, our member management software. This project will create a full one-stop- shop for our members, combine two sites - crra.com and crra.us- and make significant improvements in website security.

We expect to launch the redesigned site in early June.

CRRA Welcomes New and Returning Sponsors

As of May 3, twenty organizations have paid or been invoiced to sponsor CRRA for 2014 - 2015. Ten additional organizations are either currently deciding on their sponsorship levels or awaiting budget approval prior to signing a sponsorship agreement. Our largest sponsor is the City of San Jose at $30,000 followed by Santa Clara County at $10,000. We have changed our policy to assure that all sponsors receive a full calendar year of recognition on our website and in our other materials

We continue to pursue more sponsorship each week and all leads are welcome!

Executive Director Report to CRRA Members

March 2014

Website Consolidation and Redesign Project Underway

We are well underway with our long-awaited website consolidation and redesign project. Board member Monica Devincenzi and I have been working with the firm of M3iworks, headquartered in Santa Cruz.  We are looking at designs to make our site more visually attractive and easier for members to access information, renew membership and sign up for events such as the annual conference.

In addition to refreshed design work, we want to better integrate our systems using Drupal , the open source content management system, and retaining Wild Apricot, our member management software. This project will create a full one-stop- shop for our members, combine two sites - crra.com and crra.us- and make significant improvements in website security.

We expect to launch the redesigned site in mid-May.

March – Another Busy Sponsorship Contact Month

March is another big month for sponsorship solicitation. I am making the lead calls to potential 2014 CRRA while Patty Morgan, our Administrative Manager, follows up on invoicing and allocating funds into our accounting system.

We have implemented a policy change to assure that our valued sponsors (all of them!) receive a full year of acknowledgment for their generous participation in our sponsorship program.  Sponsorship is now acknowledged from the sponsor’s invoice date assure early and maximum exposure on-line and in other venues.

Please feel free to contact me with any CRRA sponsorship leads at john@crra.com.  

CRRA Members Volunteer for Board-Appointed Ad Hoc Certification Committee     

Over the past three months the Board of Directors has reviewed our previous certification programs and assessed how CRRA should best address certification moving forward.  On January 30, the Board  approved the implementation of a new program leading to a Certificate of Sustainable Resource Management Professional (CSRMP).

One early step in developing  a new CSRMP program  will be  the selection and appointment of an Ad Hoc Certification Committee.  By February 28, 2014 we had developed a full list of very enthusiastic CRRA members who want to be part of this new initiative. The next step will be Board approval of the Ad Hoc Committee members followed by developing an Ad Hoc Committee work program for 2014.   

Cal Recycle – CRRA Leadership Meeting Set – April 1, 2014

Board President Tracie Bills, Board Treasurer Rob Hilton and I are schedule to meet with Caroll Mortensen and other senior Cal Recycle leaders on April 1 to discuss a range of topics including 1) CRRA’s vision and organizational direction, 2) participation and sponsorship in our annual conference , 3) our partnership with Cal Recycle  in several regulatory and legislative initiatives including the Air Resources Board AB 32 Scoping Plan/Waste Sector and our efforts to assist with AB 341 – the 75% recycling plan, and 4) progress on our CSRMP certification program.

Member Meeting Scheduled for Thursday March 20, 2014

Our Spring membership meeting will be conducted Thursday, March 20, time to be announced. Board Advisor Bob Hollis has agreed to set up the webinar.  Notice to members and an agenda will be sent to the listserv and posted on our website on March 11.

Board member Colleen Foster and I will work with Board President Tracie Bills to manage this year’s election process.

Executive Director Report to CRRA Members

February 2014

Website Consolidation and Redesign Project Initiated

We are now underway with our long awaited website consolidation and redesign project. Board member Monica Devincenzi and I have been working with the Board-approved firm of M3iworks headquartered in Santa Cruz.

In addition to refreshed design work, we want to better integrate our systems using Drupal , the open source content management system, and retaining Wild Apricot, our member management software. This project will create a full one-stop- shop for our members, combine two sites - crra.com and crra.us- and make significant improvements in website security.

February Sponsorship Contact Month!

February will be a big month for sponsorship contacts. I will be making the lead calls with Patty Morgan, our Administrative Manager, following up on invoicing and allocation of funds into our accounting system. At the same time, should Board members have special relationship with sponsors they may initiate the contact.  Valued sponsors – expect a call from us in the near future!

CRRA Certification Program Approved

Over the past two months the Board has reviewed our previous certification programs and assessed how CRRA should address certification moving forward.  On January 30, at the annual Board of Directors retreat, the Board confirmed its commitment to continue a certification program. For 2014 we will designate a range of events from various organizations that can qualify for recertification including a recertification track at our CRRA Annual Conference.

For 2015 and beyond, we will develop a certification program that meets the National Certification Standards of the National Recycling Coalition. During February we will create an ad hoc committee to address the certification program, its resource requirements and its curriculum.

First Annual San Diego Zero Waste Symposium a Success

Co-sponsored by CRRA, the First Annual San Diego Zero Waste Symposium held February 4 at the County of San Diego Operations Center was a major success. With multiple speakers and over 160 attendees, including two elected County Supervisors, the sessions’ rapid fire format provided a variety of perspectives on Zero Waste programs in southern California. CRRA Board members Colleen Foster, Lynn France, Ric Anthony and CRRA member Laura Anthony were instrumental in moderating, presenting and facilitating the Symposium .

All CRRA Members,

Attached is the just released California Recycling and Materials Management Occupation Report prepared by the California Community Colleges Centers for Excellence for the San Francisco Bay Area Region and the San Diego and Imperial Counties Region.    

The attachments include the full study and the a key findings summary.
R_MM_study_blurb_for_CRRA_Website_1.21.14.docx

RMM_Keyfindings_FINAL_1.27.14.docx

John H. Dane CAE

Executive Director

California Resource Recovery Association

1-916-708-1310cell

john@crra.com

915 L St  Suite C 216 

Sacramento, CA 95814

December 2013/January 2014

A Three Month Overview

These past three months have provided a great opportunity to meet our many talented CRRA members and business partners, deepen my understanding of our public policy issues and get a good sense of the adjustments we must make to build membership and value, increase our sponsorships , highlight our events,  integrate our governance  bodies and  fashion a responsive, dynamic organization.

Since my arrival both the certification program and website redesign and consolidation have been high priorities for us to address as both provide high profile professional and public exposure for CRRA.  Not surprisingly, along with developing a 2014 budget, we devoted significant time to both programs in December. Details are below!

Completing Final Negotiations with Contactor - Website Consolidation and Redesign Project

Targeting a January start to our long awaited website consolidation and redesign project, Board member Monica Devincenzi and I have been working with a Board of Directors-approved firm on contract details. Monica and I met with the CEO on December 18.  The meeting, which also linked with the developer team via conference call, addressed a number of technical issues.

 One technical issue for us to resolve is how much archival material we want to manually transfer and reformat on the website versus maintaining this material in original format and providing access through a direct link on our website (a less expensive option).  

We will be addressing the final features of the contract and presenting it for Board approval in early January . Once we have addressed our own “to–do” tasks, the project should take about ninety day to complete.

In addition to refreshed design work, we want to better integrate our systems using Drupal , the open source content management system, and retaining Wild Apricot, our member management software. This project will create a full one-stop- shop for our members, combine two sites - crra.com and crra.us- and make significant improvements in website security.

Certification Program Renewal Discussion Ongoing

Reviewing our previous certification programs and assessing how we should move forward with respect to certification took center stage in December.

The CRRA Board and Board Advisors held a certification conference call on December 17 to generate a “portfolio of ideas”.  I developed and distributed three separate on-line surveys – for students, instructors and for board/advisors.  I forwarded to our Certification Committee the survey results the week of December 23 with a composite summary sent December 27.

A conference call for instructors is scheduled for January 8. The Certification Committee meets via conference call January 13. At the January 30 Board & Advisors Retreat in San Jose we will make some fundamental decisions regarding the direction of CRRA’s certification program for 2014 and beyond.

Should the Board decide to move forward with a new certification program there were certain broad and generic program features that a majority of all survey respondents agree upon:

Board Retreat 2014 – Meeting Arrangements Completed