Business assistance programs

Free resources for businesses, schools, and multifamily dwellings

Do you have questions or need assistance starting or expanding your on-site recycling program?

Waste audits and presentations
Desk side and common area recycling bins available at no cost
Call (707) 565-1730 or the Eco-Desk at (707) 565-3375
for more information

Business Recognition Program

Sonoma County Green Business Certification
(707) 565-6470

The Sonoma Green Business Program recognizes businesses, non-profit organizations, and municipal offices in Sonoma County that meet high environmental standards.

The Green Business Program is a voluntary and no-cost certification that looks at specific measures regarding energy, water, waste, pollution prevention, and best practices.

Resources available include free environmental consulting from the County of Sonoma Energy and Sustainability Division, listing on the California Green Business Directory and Shop Green App, use of the Green Business logo in your marketing materials, and much more.

Business Loan Program

Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ)
(707) 565-1730

Sonoma County is part of California's
Department of Resources Recycling and
Recovery (CalRecycle) CalRecycle's RMDZ program zone. The program seeks to combine recycling with economic development to fuel new businesses, expand existing ones, create jobs, and divert waste from landfills.
Resources available include attractive loans, technical assistance, and free product
marketing to businesses that use materials from the waste stream to manufacture their products.

For more information, visit www.NorthBayRMDZ.org or see the Facebook page.

Hazardous Waste Program

Many items in your work environment contain hazardous materials, which means they can't be disposed of in the garbage.

The Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility and Community HHW Collection Events are available for businesses that qualify as Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators per regulations (CCR Title 22 §66260.10), which are businesses that generate 100 kilograms (27 gallons liquid or 220 pounds solid) or less of hazardous waste per month.

Also, visit these pages for information on managing electronics, fluorescent lamps/CFLs, household batteries, mercury thermostats, paint, sharps/needles, and treated wood.

SB 1383: Short-lived climate pollutants

Signed into law by Governor Brown in 2016, SB 1383 mandates statewide actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. The bill establishes two main targets:

By 2020 Reduce disposal of organic materials in landfills by 50% from the 2014 level.

By 2025 Reduce disposal of organic materials in landfills by 75% from the 2014 level. By this point, no less than 20% of edible food currently disposed must also be recovered for human consumption.

SB 1383 serves as the regulatory force behind both AB 341 and AB 1826, and it imposes heavy fines for noncompliance.

Learn more about SB 1383 here

AB 341: Mandatory Commercial Recycling Law

Signed into law by Governor Brown in 2011, AB 341mandates commercial entities that meet the 4 cubic yard threshold to divert recyclables from the landfill.

Recycling includes cardboard, paper, plastic, glass, and metals

Learn more about AB 341 here

AB 1826: Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling Law

Signed into law by Governor Brown in 2014, AB 1826 requires commercial entities that meet the 4 cubic yard of solid waste threshold to divert organic materials from the landfill. Solid waste means the entire waste stream, including garbage and recycling.

The state defines organics as food, green materials, landscape/prunings, nonhazardous wood scrap, and food-soiled paper.

Learn more about AB 1826 here

DOWNLOAD RESOURCES

The following resources are provided in English and Spanish language. Click on the image to download the .pdf

Reduce

Recycle & Dispose

Resources