FROM: James D. Herberg, General Manager
SUBJECT:
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LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR THE SOLID WASTE: PREMOISTENED NONWOVEN DISPOSABLE WIPES BILL AB 1818
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the Letter of Support for the solid waste: premoistened nonwoven disposable wipes Bill AB 818.
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BACKGROUND
In the 2019 - 2020 legislative session, Assembly Member Bloom introduced Assembly Bill AB (AB) 1672, which would require specific labeling of nonwoven disposable wipes manufactured on or after January 1, 2022. The Orange County Sanitation District (Sanitation District) supported AB 1672 by Assembly Member Bloom. Additionally, this Bill was widely accepted by fellow agencies and associations including the bill sponsor, the California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA). Unfortunately, the Bill did not pass. Earlier this year, Assembly Member Bloom introduced AB 818, which is a reintroduction of AB 1672. The Bill is co-sponsored by CASA, the National Stewardship Action Council, and the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry; and requires "Do Not Flush" symbols and phrases on all diaper wipes, personal care wipes, and household cleaning wipes that are made with plastic fibers.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
* Maintain influential legislative advocacy and a public outreach program
* Build brand, trust, and support with policy makers and community leaders
* Maintain collaborative and cooperative relationships with regulators, stakeholders, and neighboring communities
PROBLEM
Without proper support of this Bill, it could fail, allowing non-flushable wipes to be inappropriately disposed of which could cause sanitary sewer overflows.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Staff has drafted a letter of support for AB 818.
TIMING CONCERNS
It is important that the Sanitation District take a position on the letter as soon as possible to ensure that the Sanitation District's position is taken into consideration.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING...
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