Bill Overview
In 1989, Assembly Bill 939 (AB 939) known as the Integrated Waste Management Act, was passed because of an increase in the waste stream and the decrease in landfill capacity. As a result, the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB), now known as Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), was established and an integrated framework for program implementation, solid waste planning and solid waste facility and landfill compliance created.

AB 939 mandated local jurisdictions to meet solid waste diversion goals of 25% by 1995 and 50% by 2000. Other elements included encouraging resource conservation and considering the effects of waste management operations.

Diversion goals and program requirements are implemented through a disposal-based reporting system by local jurisdictions under CalRecycle regulatory oversight. Facility compliance requirements are implemented under a different approach primarily through local government enforcement agencies.