Talking Trash

A state law requiring California cities to divert 50% of their waste from landfills by 2000 has helped spur a recycling revolution here. Californians are recycling beverage containers, used motor oil, office paper and cardboard at an ever-increasing pace. Officials estimate most cities and counties met a Jan. 1, 1995 requirement to reduce trash reaching landfills by 25%, but critics wonder whether the 50% goal is reachable. A brief look at recycling in California:

* Waste reduction advocates estimate the California recycling industry has helped sustain some 9,000 jobs, while adding more than $2.2 billion to the state economy.

* California recycled 76% of its beverage containers in 1996, led by aluminum at 80%, glass at 69%, plastic at 59% and bimetal at 17%.

* Businesses located in 40 Recycling Market Development Zones that use recycled materials are eligible for low-interest loans and financial incentives from the state. This program helps divert some 1.5 million tons of waste a year.

* The state’s landfill capacity, estimated to be adequate for just another 13 to 18 years in 1990, has increased to as much as 28 years.

Trash Recycling

Total trash recycled in California has more than doubled from 14% in 1990 to 30% in 1996.

1996

Estimated statewide trash generation, in millions of tons: 46.6

Estimated statewide recycling of trash, in millions of tons: 13.9

Plastic Recyling

The recycling rate of most other materials has remained steady, but the number of plastic containers recycled more than tripled in the last six years

1996

Plastic containers sold, in millions: 1,028.1

Plastic containers recycled, in millions: 607.5

Sources: Californians Against Waste Foundation; California Department of Conservation; California Integrated Waste Management Board

Researched by JENNIFER OLDHAM / Los Angeles Times