AB 737 Summary

• Requires the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery to report to the Legislature by January 1, 2013, on strategies to increase California's solid waste diversion rate from current levels to 75 percent by 2020; this reporting requirement repeals on January 1, 2017.

• Mandates that businesses generating more than 4 cubic yards of solid waste per week arrange for recycling services through source separation or alternative mixed-waste processing systems that achieve comparable diversion results.

• Requires each jurisdiction to implement a commercial recycling program with education and outreach to businesses; jurisdictions are not required to revise their source reduction and recycling elements if they add or expand such programs to comply.

• Streamlines nondisposal facility element updates by removing the requirement for department approval and local task force review; updates must be submitted to the department within 30 days of changes.

• Authorizes local agencies to charge commercial waste generators fees to recover costs of implementing the commercial recycling program requirements.