(SACRAMENTO, CA)  The California State Legislature passed legislation authored by Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield (D-San Fernando Valley) making paper, plastic and can recycling available to more than 7 million Californians who rent apartments.

“Renters want to recycle and deserve a convenient way to do it,” said Blumenfield.  “Renters typically can’t recycle unless they haul their waste to recycling centers.  By bringing recycling services to renters, we can harness millions of small, every day acts into a powerful force for our environment.”

Assembly Bill (AB) 818 would require the owners of multifamily housing with five or more apartments to provide recycling services to tenants starting next year.  Blumenfield authored similar legislation in 2009, which was vetoed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger even though Blumenfield addressed concerns raised by apartment owners.

“I hope that our new governor gives this bill the support it deserves,” added Blumenfield.  “Too many Californians can’t recycle where they live.  By signing this bill, the governor will radically reduce California’s footprint on the environment.”

70 percent of Californians living in single family homes have access to residential recycling.  In contrast, fewer than 40 percent of persons living in multifamily dwellings have such access, which contributes to the lackluster recycling rate of 15 percent at apartments.  In some communities where residential recycling services were made available to tenants, apartment recycling rates exceeded 50 percent.

AB 818 passed the State Assembly today with a 50-26 vote, following a July Senate vote of 24-12.  It now moves to Governor Jerry Brown for his signature or veto.  He will have 12 days to act on this bill.

AB 818 is supported by the League of California Cities, the California State Association of Counties, the California League of Conservation Voters, and Californians Against Waste.  Additional information is available at http://www.leginfo.ca.gov.

Contacts: Anthony Matthews, tel. (916) 319-2040