California Renters Recycling Law

The Renters Right to Recycle Act (AB 818) was signed into law by California Governor Jerry Brown, mandating recycling services for paper, plastic, bottles and cans in apartment buildings with five or more rental units.

California Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield (D-San Fernando Valley) authored the Renter's Right to Recycle Act on behalf of 7 million California apartment tenants who find it difficult to constantly drive around finding some place to recycle.

Only 39 percent of the state's apartment renters have an on-site recycling option.  Consequently, the recycling rate in apartments is just 15 percent in California versus 50 percent for single-family homeowners.

Assembly Bill 818 was supported by the California Apartment Association, which represents thousands of landlords across the state.

According to Assemblyman Blumenfield, if no recycling plan can be agreed upon for a certain apartment building, it can be exempted from the law --- if the building's inability to institute recycling is certified by the recycling companies.

Trash and recycling companies are building new recycling facilities that will create new jobs in California.  Many say Blumenfield's assembly bill is good for both the environment and the economy.

"Renters want and deserve the same opportunities to recycle as everyone else," said Blumenfield.

"Before this bill, many renters could recycle only by hauling their waste across town to a recycling center. Green living is the future and nothing is more basic than being able to recycle where you live."

Two years ago, former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed Blumenfield's legislation, saying it burdened California apartment owners with expensive requirements.

Governor Jerry Brown has signed AB 818 into law and the renters' recycling law takes effect in 2012.