Q: Are there any additional City fees associated with these new requirements?

A: No. There are no additional City fees associated with this program.

Q: Will this requirement delay issuance of my building permit(s)?

A: There will not be any delays in issuing your building permit, provided a properly completed Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan (WRRP) is submitted when you initially file your Building Permit Application. Staff will notify you promptly if your WRRP is incomplete or does not meet the City's recycling requirements. The sooner you make necessary corrections and re-submit the form, the more quickly it will be processed.

Reminder: Building permits will not be issued without an APPROVED WRRP. Allow 3-5 business days for processing.

Q: Will it cost me more to recycle or reuse construction and demolition (C & D) debris?

A: The costs associated with recycling separated construction and demolition debris vary greatly, depending on how materials are handled, type and quantity of materials generated, and the facility used. Planning for reuse, salvage and recycling at the front end of your project can significantly reduce material handling and overall waste disposal costs (e.g., disposal fees). For example, one facility charges $24.50 per ton for clean wood waste. The same materials, disposed of as garbage at that facility, would cost $74.50 per ton.

Q: What is the penalty for not complying with the Ordinance?

A: According to the California Government Code, violation of a city ordinance, such as the Waste Reduction and Recycling Ordinance for Construction and Demolition Debris, is considered an infraction that may result in a fine.

Q: Are these requirements really necessary?

A: YES. Reducing construction and demolition debris is a priority in Oakland and throughout the State. C&D debris represents a significant portion of the City's (and the State's) overall waste stream. Keeping these materials out of landfills is an essential part of the City's overall plan for:

• Meeting the City's own environmental goals
• Complying with the State's Integrated Waste Management Act *
• Meeting Alameda County's (Measure D) adopted recycling goal **

* AB 939 requires EVERY city and county in the State to reduce the quantity of materials disposed of at landfills by at least 50% (by weight) from 1990, or potentially face fines for non-compliance.

** The Alameda County Recycling Board adopted a goal (Measure D) of reducing the quantity of discarded materials generated in Alameda County by 75% by 2010.