Annual Report Summary - (Printer Friendly Version)

This section of the annual report presents the methods in which your agency informed both employees and customers served that a recycling program was being implemented. Below are identified the programs you reported were continued or implemented during 2006.

This section of the annual report presents your compliance with the State Agency Buy Recycled Campaign (SABRC). The activities identified below were reported as implemented or continued during 2006. (Note: Completing this section does not meet the SABRC reporting requirements (PCC Section 12162(b)).

Caltrans Mission:

Caltrans Improves Mobility Across California

Strategic Goals:

- SAFETY -

Provide the safest transportation system in the nation for users and workers.

- MOBILITY -

Maximize transportation system performance and accessibility.

- DELIVERY -

Efficiently deliver quality transportation projects and services.

- STEWARDSHIP -

Preserve and enhance California`s resources and assets.

-SERVICE-

Promote quality service through an excellent workforce.

The waste stream should be decreasing since the Integrated Waste Management Plan has been submitted. This is due to new waste diversion programs that have been implemented and a heightened awareness of recycling programs.

When compared to last year`s report, this report does not reflect a decreasing waste stream. As our reporting procedures are becoming more accurate year after year, total tonage disposed and diverted only appears to have increased.

Much of the material that Caltrans generates is a result of our contruction and mauintenance projects. This construction and demolition (C & D) waste debris can vary in type and amount depending on project description and location. Typical C & D waste debris may include concrete, asphalt, steel, guard railing, and vegetation. Even though much of this material is being diverted from the landfills, the process to capture this information for all projects has recently been implemented. In 2003 and 2004, one construction project per district was selected to determine the amount of C & D waste debris disposed of and diverted from landfills. In 2005, a new procedure was implemented to include the reporting of C & D waste debris disposal and diversion by contractors with each new construction contract. When all of our construction contracts are newer than 2004, we will have achieved accurate reporting of C & D waste disposed of and diverted from landfills.

Other types of materials that are generated by the Department are a result of the fleet of vehicles owned by Caltrans. Some of these materials include motor oil, engine lubricants, anti-freeze, tires, and solvents. Even though these waste materials do not count towards AB 75, they do get recycled. Over the years, the Department has undergone a significant move to lower emissions from our vehicles. Caltrans has termed this "Greening the Fleet".

Tonnages were determined by reviewing the actual receipts from the independent vendors who supplied recycle and disposal services. In cases where obtaining actual receipts was not feasible, estimates were determined by multiplying the size and weight of containers by the frequency of service.

Caltrans recycles toner cartridges, cardboard, newspaper, office paper, telephone books, green waste, sweepings, dirt, tires, wood, metal, concrete, asphalt, batteries, oil, antifreeze, paint, and fluorescent bulbs.

We participate in state surplus and property reutilization programs. Computers and furniture are donated to schools and non-profit organizations when possible.

The Department has identified one recycling coordinator in each district and at headquarters along with a Resource Conservation Senior in the Headquarters Resource Conservation Branch. No additional PYs were allocated for these positions. The recycling coordinators have the responsibility to report on AB 75 in addition to their prior duties.