Skip to main content

Planning and Siting Recycling Infrastructure

Understanding how to site recycling, processing and manufacturing facilities can help cities and counties get the full benefit of the economic development and greenhouse gas reductions they produce. In order to plan for and site recycling facilities, local governments must obtain the proper permits and comply with the California Environmental Quality Act among other requirements. This section provides resources and case stories to help local governments navigate this complex process.

    Model Goals, Policies, Zoning, and Development Standards for Composting and Remanufacturing Facilities 

    This publication is intended to educate and inform local policy-makers and staff about land use planning approaches and zoning tools to encourage the economically beneficial use of recyclable materials generated in California. It identifies options and model language for general plan goals and policies and zoning ordinance standards related to composting and remanufacturing facilities using recycled materials. Adoption and implementation of goals and policies addressing these topics can help local governments achieve their AB 939 waste reduction targets.  Every city and county has unique circumstances, some may already have standards more stringent than those defined here, so any existing local policies should be consulted as well; these examples provide a starting point that can be modified to fit individual circumstances.

    Model Goals, Policies, Zoning, and Development Standards for Composting and Remanufacturing Facilities
    Recycling Roadmap How to Plan, Site and Finance Your Recycling Facility 

    This resource is intended to provide a brief overview of the typical steps to plan, site and finance a public or private facility to process and reuse recycled materials. It is applicable to any facilities that turn organics and/or green waste into compost or fuels, processing facilities and manufacturing facilities that use recycled materials.

    Recycling Roadmap
    A Primer on Recycling Facilities 

    This document offers a basic description of recycling collection and processing systems, the types of recycling facilities and the potential benefits to the communities where they are located.

    Primer on Recycling Facilities
    Understanding Recycling Facilities and Required Permits 

    This guide provides general information about the different types of recycling facilities and the permits required. It also offers resources to learn more about solid waste and recycling facilities. The information in this guide is intended for local officials and others interested in understanding the basic options, types of facilities and different roles of agencies issuing permits

    Understanding Recycling Facilities and Required Permits
    Anaerobic Digestion What is it and Who is Doing it? 

    As local agencies work to meet the state’s goal of diverting 75 percent of California’s waste from disposal in landfills by 2020, they are turning to innovative technologies like anaerobic digestion to convert waste into energy as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. This issue brief provides an overview of some of the technical and financing factors that local officials and staff should consider in determining whether anaerobic digestion is an appropriate approach to meet their goals for diverting waste, producing renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    Anaerobic Digestion What is it and Who is Doing it?
    Additional Resources 

    Additional resources on funding and siting recycling infrastructure facilities and programs.

    Funding Resources:

    Permitting Resources:

    Related Links

    California Business Investment Guide (Go-Biz, 2013)