Legislative Committee Update

Thanks to Vice Chair Andrea Johnson for taking us through our latest meeting on June 6th! During this meeting, Andrea reiterated the importance of being aware of legislation that can negatively or positively impact operations and understanding your role in engaging with legislators. Executive Director Terri Ward then updated the group on the LEED version 5 comment period and the work of CDRA members involved in the task force, which examined the 92-page proposed guideline more closely. Comments were filed with the U.S. Green Building Council in time to meet the deadline!

The meeting was unique because our guest speakers represented both U.S. coasts! Eric Pasewalk, C&D Zero Waste Coordinator with the City of San Francisco, provided an overview of recycling regulations in the Bay Area and areas of compliance that he manages, noting that much of the compliance work is based on the California Green Building Standards Code, first in the nation and passed in 2007. At the time, buildings were identified as the state's 2nd highest source of greenhouse gas emissions. A local recovery target of 65% still guides California compliance efforts today. He added that approximately 2,000 projects per year are primarily monitored through self-reporting while the companies operate in a competitive landscape. More scrutiny of facility responses in recent periods and increased use of online tools are helping staff keep up with the volume and provide more clarity, allowing those working hard to maintain high recycling rates to differentiate themselves from their competitors. Examples of other tactics and enhanced reporting that help the city advance its third-party verification efforts were shared.

Next, Michael Elliott with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection provided an overview of the FY2023 C&D annual report data, a summary of which is available here. Michael reviewed the activities of the 29 C&D facilities in the state and noted the different classifications and volume trends. He added that the DEP wants to increase C&D recycling rates, especially for materials such as drywall, which has recovered at much lower levels in Massachusetts than in California. To help increase C&D recycling rates, the DEP has instituted minimum performance standards, including required recycling rates, for C&D facilities. However, only some of the facilities meet the minimum recycling standards. Also, more drywall is needed for recycling, so too much goes to landfills. Michael said that processors recognize the situation, and some have upgraded plants. He added that in coming years, the state plans to start increasing minimum recycling rates for C&D facilities and that it can help identify end markets for recyclers. A question and answer session followed each presentation. Please plan to join us for our next meeting on August 1st!