AB 2176 - Recycling at Large Events

In September 2004, the California Legislature passed AB 2176, a law that requires operators and organizers of large events and venues to develop and implement waste reduction plans that include recycling strategies, and to report on the results of their efforts to the designated local agency/city.

Summary of AB 2176

• Requires local cities to annually report to the State on the progress of waste reduction and recycling from the top 10% of large venues and special events in their jurisdictions.
• Requires that the event organizer provide the name, location, and description of the event and the type of waste that will be generated and recycled during the event to the local City.
• The types of events that may fall under the mandatory reporting requirements include events such as business seminars and meetings, concerts, farmer's markets, flea markets, street fairs, and festivals.

Definition of a Large Event

• Attracts 2,000 participants (attendees, staff, vendors, etc.) per average day of operation.
• Charges admission price or is free and sponsored by the city or county.

Definition of a Large Venue

• Permanent facility that seats or serves an average of more than 2,000 participants (attendees, staff, vendors, etc.) per average day of operation.

Resources

RethinkWaste offers resources to help plan for large events and Recology San Mateo County, the City's Franchised Hauler, will work with event organizers to furnish the appropriate recycling receptacles and provide the data for reporting diversion efforts. To request a quote, please contact Recology at (650) 595-3900.

For additional information on the law, please visit the CalRecycle website.