*Integrated Resources & Solid Waste Management Plan Update (with Appendices) - Dec 2009

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3.0 SOURCE REDUCTION taking physical and /or financial responsibility for their products and packaging through reuse, repair, or recycling them back into nature or the marketplace. • Express support for state and county agencies to support product stewardship, by creating a state /counties coalition to work towards EPR, along with other active states. Express support for policies designed to relieve local taxpayers from the burden of managing wastes they have no control over. This could include identifying specific product categories that have the greatest impact on local programs. Express support for mandatory recycled content, as well as "cradle -to- cradle" product take -back and recycling services. Insist that the cost of the programs be paid by manufacturers and internalized into the cost of their products. Examples of EPR framework policy and legislation from California, Oregon, Washington, and Minnesota can be found at http:/ /www.productstewardship .net /policies.html. Estimated cost: To implement this option, the County would need to invest some ongoing staff time and perhaps $30,000 to $70,000 of consulting assistance for research, policy analysis, and drafting legislation. The price of some products affected by EPR programs could increase depending on exactly how EPR was implemented. 3.5.10 Create a Zero Waste Fund In order to encourage local innovation and participation, the County could fund community zero waste initiatives with fees levied on landfill disposal. This funding could include leveraging private sector investments by adopting supportive policies and providing technical assistance and support letters for independent financing and /or grants. The more that non - profits and private companies invest in expansion of reuse, recycling and composting programs, the less the City needs to invest. The County could also identify and support proposals for state, federal and foundation grants and loans for local zero waste businesses and service providers. Estimated cost: The cost of this option would depend on the extent to which the County elects to fund this program. For planning purposes, initial seed funding could be budgeted in the range of $50,000 to $200,000 per year. Some added staff time would be necessary to develop and administer the program. 3.5.11 Public- Private Partnerships with Community Based Organizations The reuse industry on the island should be surveyed. In Austin, Texas, Goodwill Industries has developed a dismantling program, with the backing of Dell Computers (also based in Austin). There may be other non - profits or businesses interested in participating in reuse programs within the County. The County could convene a meeting of interested parties to determine the level of interest, evaluate what challenges such a program would face, and identify potential mechanisms to assist with initiation of the program. Independent community -based organizations (CBOs) may see this as an opportunity for their clients. From sheltered workshops to social enterprises, these CBOs are potentially available to take on repair and refurbishing as well as dismantling of discarded items into recyclable commodities. 3 -16 December 2009