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Smart Business Alliance Quarterly Update
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Requested Action(s)
recommendation
This item is for informational purposes. No further action is required.
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Financial Impact:
None
Background Information:
The Tehama County Smart Business Alliance (SBA) is a voluntary incentive program for Tehama County businesses, non-profits and government entities to engage in waste reduction, reuse and recycling in the workplace. There are currently 95 active members.
The SBA program was developed by Agency staff in preparation of Assembly Bill 341, known as the Mandatory Commercial Recycling law. The SBA program fosters a positive relationship between local businesses and the Agency. The SBA provides businesses with recycling options that make financial sense. Agency staff continuously encourage businesses to recycle and have promoted the program to businesses through informational flyer mailings and in-person outreach. By joining the SBA, businesses gain community recognition for their efforts. Partners appreciate their assistance in complying with the Commercial Recycling mandate.
AB 341 requires any California business that generates four or more cubic yards of commercial solid waste per week or is a multi-family dwelling of five or more units to recycle. The law requires local jurisdictions to inform their businesses, public entities, and multi-family complexes of the state mandate to recycle. The SBA program helps the Agency meet its informational requirements and generates diversion data for reporting purposes.
Christian engaged Corning High School in the SBA program. The results were an increase in the number and locations of the recycling receptacles and informational posters within the campus. Before the end of 25/26 school year, the Agency anticipated conducting a waste characterization, but plans were put on hold due to problems with their compactor’s capacity sensor. The Agency has been in communication with the school to determine if repairs have been made and receive an update on the recycling bin implementation, and Christian is organizing an introduction meeting with Corning High, Chelsea, and WM. Chelsea will continue the work with Corning High as introductions are made.
Chelsea signed up Brickyard Creek Apartments in Red Bluff, Crosslands Gas Station and Woodson Bridge RV Park both in the incorporated area of Tehama County all in June 2026. She, along with Green Waste of Tehama, has provided technical assistance to all three as needed. The Agency provided receptacles or reusable recycling totes as appropriate as well as signage. Chelsea has communicated with 70 of the 95 members in follow-up to their membership, introducing herself as their new recycling contact and answering any questions they might have. As a result, Elmore Pharmacy began recycling again, Kevin's Donuts received bilingual signage for new staff to refer to, recycling questions were answered for River Oaks Home Owners' Association, California Power Holdings, Red Bluff RV Park and Flying A Mobile Home Park. Also, TCSWMA and WM collaborative outreach to City of Corning businesses has restarted with the recent hiring of their new Recycling Education Representative.
Chelsea will continue to contact local businesses in-person, via phone and e-mail regarding AB 341 and the SBA.